T. O. M. Sopwith was pioneer sportsman/pilot. Rebuilt early
aircraft before First World War, began development of own
types and formed important associations with F. Sigrist
(engineer and largely responsible for future success) and
H. G. Hawker (pilot). Company registered March 1914.
Became world famous for fighter aircraft, built in great
numbers by many companies, though Bat Boat of 1913
was notable flying-boat and Tabloid landplane of same year gained renown as floatplane by
1 1/2 Strutter
winning 1914 Schneider
Trophy. Wartime developments were Schneider and
Baby floatplanes. First landplane fighter built in great numbers
was two-seat 1 1/2-Strutter. Pup was smaller single-seater,
and both types made major contributions to
ship-flying. Triplane of 1916 excelled in climb. Two-gun
Camel, in service 1917, excelled in maneuverability; shipboard
version had detachable rear fuselage. Cuckoo of
1917 was world's first deck-landing torpedo-bomber.
Snipe was intended to succeed Camel late in war, and
remained in RAF service until 1926: Salamander was similar
but armored for ground attack. In 1920 the Sopwith
Aviation Company was succeeded by the Hawker Engineering
Company. The Sopwith fighters sacrificed
stability for maneuverability, and became the most famous
British aircraft of First World War.
