Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 62 : Sopwith Triplane Aces of World War 1

The Sopwith Triplane was built as a replacement for the company's hugely successful, and much loved, Sopwith 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, the Triplane had a far greater impact on the aerial war over the Western Front than its meager production numbers really deserved. Pilots such as Ray Collishaw, Bob Little and Roderic Dallas all enjoyed notable success in the bloody struggle for aerial supremacy that was fought out over the Western Front in the spring and summer of 1917. Devoted exclusively to Triplane aces, this book includes numerous first-hand accounts, a detailed appendices, more than 90 rare photographs and 40+ all-new colour profiles and planforms. Text by Norman Franks with illustrations by Harry Dempsey.

Contents

• The Sopwith Triplane Scout
• Naval Eight
• No. 9 Naval Squadron
• No. 10 Naval and the Black Flight
• Appendices