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The famous successor to the Sopwith Pup, the Camel owes its nickname to the pronounced hump in front of the cockpit -- actually an enclosure for two Vickers machine guns. The plane's design resulted in an unusual concentration of mass, with guns, ammunition, engine, pilot, and fuel tank all in close proximity. This configuration allowed for superior maneuverability but required great pilot skill to leverage the advantage in aerial combat. The Camel was known for the torque effect from its rotary engine, which caused the nose to drop in a right turn and rise in a left turn. It was an unforgiving aircraft with a high accident rate.
Despite its quirks, the Camel was one of the most successful and versatile fighters of World War I, performing air-to-air, bombing, and training roles. Camels destroyed 1,200-plus enemy aircraft, more than any other type. It flew in combat with the British Army Royal Flying Corps, the U.S. Army Air Service, and the air forces of Belgium and Greece. Additionally, a naval variant, the 2F.1, conducted ship-borne operations with the Royal Naval Air Service. After the war, Camels operated primarily in the United States, Canada, and Poland. A total of 5,490 Camels were built.
Sopwith Camel armament consisted of two .303 Vickers machine guns with interrupter gear to fire through the propeller arc. Camels flew with several different rotary engine types, including 130-horsepower Clerget, 110-hp Le Rhône, and 150-hp Bentley B.R.1, among others.
The Museum's flyable reproduction was acquired by Doug Champlin in 1979 from Jim and Zona Appleby's Antique Aero Limited. This aircraft is authentic to the original but is powered by a modern Warner 185-horsepower radial engine and includes other enhancements, such as main gear brakes and improved instrumentation.
The famous successor to the Sopwith Pup, the Camel owes its nickname to the pronounced hump in front of the cockpit -- actually an enclosure for two Vickers machine guns. The plane's design resulted in an unusual concentration of mass, with guns, ammunition, engine, pilot, and fuel tank all in close proximity. This configuration allowed for superior maneuverability but required great pilot skill to leverage the advantage in aerial combat. The Camel was known for the torque effect from its rotary engine, which caused the nose to drop in a right turn and rise in a left turn. It was an unforgiving aircraft with a high accident rate.
Despite its quirks, the Camel was one of the most successful and versatile fighters of World War I, performing air-to-air, bombing, and training roles. Camels destroyed 1,200-plus enemy aircraft, more than any other type. It flew in combat with the British Army Royal Flying Corps, the U.S. Army Air Service, and the air forces of Belgium and Greece. Additionally, a naval variant, the 2F.1, conducted ship-borne operations with the Royal Naval Air Service. After the war, Camels operated primarily in the United States, Canada, and Poland. A total of 5,490 Camels were built.
Sopwith Camel armament consisted of two .303 Vickers machine guns with interrupter gear to fire through the propeller arc. Camels flew with several different rotary engine types, including 130-horsepower Clerget, 110-hp Le Rhône, and 150-hp Bentley B.R.1, among others.
The Museum's flyable reproduction was acquired by Doug Champlin in 1979 from Jim and Zona Appleby's Antique Aero Limited. This aircraft is authentic to the original but is powered by a modern Warner 185-horsepower radial engine and includes other enhancements, such as main gear brakes and improved instrumentation.
