The Sopwith Camel was the overall most lethal fighter aircraft of the war, credited with the downing of over 3,000 enemy aircraft. They are probably the best known of all British World War I fighters. And, of course, as anyone who followed the Peanuts comic strip knows, the Camel was Snoopy's favorite aircraft.
Unlike both of its Sopwith predecessors, the Sopwith Camel was a difficult aircraft for all but the most experiences pilots to handle. This was due to a combination of high torque from its rotary engine and a rearward center of gravity caused by its short nose moment.
The Sopwith Camel turned quickly to the right while pitching its nose downward. The rearward center of gravity made it very sensitive to elevator input. This was especially true when the fuel tank located behind the pilot was full. These traits were used to advantage in combat by skilled pilots, but sometimes proved lethal to inexperienced pilots.
The Sopwith Camel was among the first aircraft to be stationed on board early aircraft carriers. It had a removable tail section to facilitate stowage.
Some Sopwith Camel aircraft were used as night fighters in defense of Britain. They were equipped with twin machine guns above the wing. Standard equipment was machine guns which fired through the propeller arc. The night fighter rc Sopwith Camel often encountered German bombers.
The Sopwith Camel was also used by Belgium, Canada, Greece and the United States. In all some 5,500 were produced.
RC Sopwith Camel
A rc Sopwith Camel from eBay.
The rc Sopwith Camel seen on eBay. It has a wingspan of 40". Length is 27".
Materials used are balsawood and ply. Included are a outrunner motor, controller and four servos.
RC Sopwith Camel
Green RC Models rc Sopwith Camel.
The rc Sopwith Camel by Green RC Models wingspan is 38" and length is 26". A brushless motor and controller is included with the approximately 30 oz. scale model.
RC Sopwith Camel
Jim from Watt Flyer with rc Sopwith Camel.
The Hangar 9 rc Sopwith Camel built by Jim of Watt Flyer. Wingspan is 61" and fuselage length is 44". You have a choice of ways to power it. Recommended are .61 to
.91 two cycle engines, .91 four cycle engines, or an E-flite Power 46
outrunner electric motor. It should weigh between 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 lbs.
RC Sopwith Camel
A rc Sopwith Camel from Aerodrome RC.
Aerodrome RC has the rc Sopwith Camel for sale in two sizes. Both kits use balsawood and ply as the construction materials.
The Aerodrome 39" wingspan rc Sopwith Camel should weigh around 38 oz. upon completion. An AXI 2808/20 motor is recommended power.
The 50" wingspan Aerodrome rc Sopwith Camel can be powered by a Speed 600 type motor geared 2.3:1. The third photo below is of that model.
RC Sopwith Camel
Power Line Hobbies rc Sopwith Camel.
The rc Sopwith Camel from Power Line Hobbies has a wingspan of 27" with a 19" length. Included is a motor and controller.
Peter Rake Plans has plans and a short kit of the rc Sopwith Camel. Wingspan is 36". A Speed 400 motor geared 2.33:1 can be used to power it.
Kit Cutters has a 56 1/2" wingspan rc Sopwith Camel from Nexus Plans. It is available as a full kit, short kit, or plans alone. Suggested power is a .60 engine.
Kit Cutters has a rc Sopwith Camel available from Uncle Willies Plans. It has a 56" wingspan and a 36" length. You will need at least a .60 engine for power.
Kit Cutters has a rc Sopwith Camel available from Cleveland Model Plans. You can purchase kits with wingspans of 28", 42", 56" and a giant scale 84". Plans are available separately.
Dare Hobby has a Sopwith Camel for sale as a kit designed by Andrew Hewitt. It has a wingspan of 42". Length is 27".
ElectriFly has a 35 1/2" wingspan Sopwith Camel for sale. Its made from balsawood and plywood and is 25" long with about a 1 1/2 lb. weight.
LX Model has a rc Sopwith Camel with a 31 1/2" wingspan and 20 1/2" length.
VK Aircraft has a rc Sopwith Camel. The kit builds to a 56" wingspan with a 36" length. You can power it with .48 to .70 two cycle engines. Weight is around 6 lbs.
Silverlit Toys makes a rc Sopwith Camel with two channel control. Its wingspan is just 11" and length is 9". Weight is around 8 oz.
Zhuhai Green RC Model Airplane, China has a rc Sopwith Camel with a 26" wingspan. Its length is 17 1/2" and weight is about 12 1/2 oz.
Traplet Publications has Chris Wright Plans for a rc Sopwith Camel. It has a 28" wingspan and weighs about 6 oz.
Sopwith Camel
