WAR

The Sopwith Triplane appeared in smaller numbers than just about any
first-line fighter; only 150 were built. The Triplane's layout was novel and imaginative
compared to other fighters that had been thus far produced by the British.
Until the spring of 1917 the British were a half year behind everybody except
the Americans, and the Sopwith Triplane was an amazing innovation.
By breaking up the necessary minimum of wing area into three parts instead
of two, the Sopwith designers expected to produce an aeroplane whose shortened
span and chord would impart a high order of manoeuvrability. That is exactly
what was achieved. The Triplane was not particularly fast, its climb was adequate
rather than brilliant, and it was armed with only one gun; but to a large degree
its handiness offset these limitations.
The "Tripehound" could outclimb and turn inside the Albatros. It could
also "split-S" beautifully. In this excellent evasive manoeuvre, the pilot rolled
his ship on her back and pulled briskly back on the stick. The nose would snap
down and the machine would fall away like a shot. It was more or less the
opposite of the Immelmann turn, and a dazzling way to dive.
The Sopwith Triplane was flown by No. 1 and No. 8 (Naval) Squadrons
from April 1917 and by No. 10 (Naval) Squadron from May. Naval Ten had had
some Triplanes on strength since February, but was not fully equipped until May.
The type was flown by Royal Naval Air Service squadrons only, whose pilots
'Tripehounds" of Naval One.
were among the most fiery
at the Front.
^w»