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Sopwith 8F1 Snail single seat fighter
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Sopwith 8F1 Snail single seat fighter
Sopwith 8F1 Snail single seat fighter, designed in late 1917, doomed because its engine was not accepted. Only two were completed -- seen here is the second, serial no. C 4288, with monocoque plywood fuselage and forward staggered wings. Date: circa 1917-1918
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Media ID 14223783
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Biplane Biplanes Forward Fuselage Monocoque Plywood Propeller Seat Serial Snail Sopwith Wings Staggered
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases the Sopwith 8F1 Snail, a single-seat fighter aircraft designed towards the latter stages of World War I in 1917. The Sopwith Aviation Company, renowned for its innovative designs during this period, produced this advanced aircraft with a monocoque plywood fuselage and forward staggered wings. The 8F1 Snail was a biplane, featuring two sets of wings with a slight overlap, and was powered by a Le Rhône 9Jb rotary engine. Unfortunately for the Sopwith 8F1 Snail, its engine was not accepted by the British military, and only two prototypes were completed. The aircraft seen in this photograph is the second one, bearing the serial number C 4288. Despite the limited production, the 8F1 Snail showcased impressive capabilities, including a top speed of 112 mph and a service ceiling of 15,000 feet. The image captures the 8F1 Snail in its element, resting on the ground at a wartime airfield. Its propeller is static, yet the sense of power and readiness is palpable. The biplane's sleek lines and meticulously crafted details are evident, making it a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers and designers of the era. The 8F1 Snail may have been doomed by engine issues, but its legacy continues to inspire aviation enthusiasts and historians alike, as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of innovation during the 1st Great War.
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