Photograph:
Airdrome Aeroplanes Sopwith Pup replica 19-7339 (c/n AAS-7339) at Watts Bridge Qld (Author’s collection)
Country of origin:
United States of America
Description:
Single-seat replica fighter biplane
Power Plant:
One 82 kw (110 hp) Rotec R-2800 seven cylinder air-cooled radial engine
Specifications:
- Wingspan: 8.22 m (27 ft)
- Length: 5.79 m (19 ft)
- Wing area: 19.04 m² (205 sq ft)
- Cruising speed: 130 km/h (81 mph)
- Stalling speed: 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Rate of climb: 305 m/min (1,000 ft/min)
- Take-off run: 37 m (120 ft)
- Landing run: 122 m (400 ft)
- Fuel capacity: 53 litres (11.6 Imp gals)
- Range: 322 km (200 miles)
- Empty weight: 180 kg (396 lb)
- Loaded weight: 270 kg (596 lb)
History:
Airdrome Aeroplanes of Holden, Missouri, USA has for some years produced plans and kits for a series of scale replicas of well known fighters from World War I fitted with modern engines. One of these was a full-scale replica of the Sopwith Pup. Construction was of tubular steel with fabric covering. Chosen power plant was the Australian-built Rotec R-2800 seven-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, but engines in the range of 82 kw to 112 kw (110 hp to 150 hp) could be installed.
An example of the Airdrome Aeroplanes Sopwith Pup has been constructed at Watts Bridge in Queensland and registered under RAA Regulations as 19-7339 (c/n AAS-7339) on 12 March 2013. It is is fitted with a converted Volkswagen four-cylinder engine.