The Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917. Manufactured by Sopwith Aviation Company, it had a short-coupled fuselage, heavy, powerful rotary engine, and concentrated fire from twin synchronized machine guns. Though difficult to handle, to an experienced pilot it provided unmatched manoeuvrability. A superlative fighter, the Camel was credited with shooting down 1,294 enemy aircraft, more than any other Allied fighter of the war. It also served as a ground-attack aircraft, especially near the end of the conflict, when it was outclassed in the air-to-air role by newer fighters.
Read more about Sopwith Camel: Design and Development, Variants, Operators, Survivors, Specifications (F.1 Camel), Notable Appearances in Media
Famous quotes containing the word camel:
“Alas, alas for Hamelin!
There came into many a burghers pate
A text which says that Heavens Gate
Opes to the rich at as easy rate
As the needles eye takes a camel in!”
—Robert Browning (18121889)