Sopwith Tri-plane

One of the most advanced planes of its time, a nifty fighter in the right hands.

Light-weight air frame

The Sopwith Tri-plane was a highly controllable plane and favoured stability and the ability to turn tightly over firepower or speed. Slower than the other two entente planes looked at here, the tri-plane had to rely on it's ability to handle well. Armed with only one Vickers machine gun, this light aircraft was a capable light fighter.

Reliable

With a modern cockpit featuring optics and a sighting system for its single synchronised machine gun, the tri-plane was truly an innovative aircraft. The plane was more reliable than its predecessors and offered a stable mount for the squadrons it flew with.

Mount of Choice

The Sopwith Tri-plane was the fighter of choice for New Zealand's second best ace, Thomas Culling. He made his fame by flying one of these fine aircraft against the Germans in the Western Front during 1917. This Kiwi ace was one of the few to have more than five recorded victories out of all the New Zealand pilots, owing it all to his ability to take advantage of this fighter's strength.