Sopwith Pup

About the Sopwith Pup

The Culp Sopwith Pup is a single-seat biplane fighter aircraft tailored for solo pilot operation. It features a traditional wooden framework covered in fabric, staggered equal-span wings fitted with ailerons on both upper and lower surfaces, a cross-axle main landing gear supported by V-struts, and a single nose-mounted rotary engine.

Initially emerging from private company runabouts designed for test pilots, the type evolved into a successful military scout utilized by naval and flying corps services during the First World War. It gained renown for its pleasant handling, low wing loading, and exceptional manoeuvrability, which allowed it to excel in dogfights against heavier adversaries. Beyond frontline combat, its docile flight qualities made it valuable for early aircraft carrier deck landing experiments and training duties.