Sopwith Triplane Aces of World War 1 (Aircraft of the Aces)

The inspiration behind the iconic Fokker Dr I, Sopwith's Triplane was built as a replacement for the company's hugely successful, and much loved, Pup. Thanks to its massive wing area, the revolutionary Triplane boasted an unmatched rate of climb and greatly improved manoeuvrability. Indeed, when the type made its combat debut in late 1916, the Triplane could easily out-fight any other aircraft operated by either side. Used exclusively by the Royal Naval Air Service and the French Navy, theTriplane had a far greater impact on the aerial war over the Western Front than its meagre production numbers really deserved. Pilots such as Ray Collishaw, Bob Little and Roderic Dallas all enjoyed success in the bloody struggle for aerial supremacy over the Western Front in 1917. The first volume in print devoted exclusively to Triplane aces, this book includes numerous first-hand accounts, detailed appendices, more than 90 rare photographs and over 40 all-new colour profiles and planforms. The only three-winged fighter aircraft to see active duty with Britain's flying services in World War 1, Sopwith's Triplane was the sole viable multi-winged aircraft design capable of challenging the biplane's supremacy during the early days of flight. The Sopwith Triplane, an iconic symbol of early 20th century airwar, was one of the most manoeuvrable and versatile aircraft of its era. This book examines the Sopwith Triplane's history from the perspective of the aces that flew it.