|
One
of the most successful World War One fighters, the Sopwith
Camel was credited with 1294 enemy aircraft destroyed, more
than any other allied aeroplane.
The Sopwith Camel was intended as a replacement for the Sopwith
Pup with the prototype taking its first flight in December 1916.
It was known as the “Big Pup” early on in its development,
but the fairing that covered its twin mounted Vickers machine
guns mounted in front of the cockpit created a visible hump,
so the plane subsequently acquired the name Camel.
Whilst being a very effective combat aircraft the Camel was not
considered an easy plane to fly. There were several reasons for
this. The strong gyro effect of the rotary engine resulted in
strange handling, and on take off with a full tank of fuel the
centre of gravity was affected. In level flight the Camel was
markedly tail-heavy, and as if this was not enough when executing
turns in either direction requiring rudder it turned sharply
to the right with a nose-down attitude, and turned slowly to
the left with a nose up attitude. Novice pilots in particular
had to be very wary on take-off and landing and any stall would
result in an immediate spin. None the less once mastered these “twitchy” characteristics
gave the Camel its superb manoeuvrability, the perfect quality
for a fighter aircraft, and together with the S.E.5a it wrested
aerial superiority away from the German fighters of the day. |
|
An
almost ready to fly model with a real difference! Absolutely
stunning attention to detail and realism. Designed to fly with
either a glow engine or an electric motor the Sopwith Camel is
at the leading edge of ARTF models with a host of scale features
that will take your breath away!
Constructed from laser cut balsa and plywood and covered in UltraCote
with pre-applied decals, this World War One (WW1) biplane is
a nice change of pace from the 3D models that abound.
Most of the hard work involved in building a WW1 biplane is already
done for you. There is no tedious wire bending for the undercarriage,
no making rigging wires, no hunting for the right size hardwood
for struts and cabanes, no searching for a pilot, or the correct
type of wheels and guns. All of this and more have been done
for you with the list of other prefabricated parts almost endless.
Thanks to the one-piece top wing and two-piece bottom wing assembly
is easy. Bolt on cabane struts are mounted securely to the fuselage
and ensure correct wing alignment every time, and ready made
rigging wires speed assembly even further. It should be noted
that the rigging wires are for scale realism between the main
wings and may be omitted if you choose; this is not the case
with the tail rigging wires and these must be used at all times.
A superb, and highly manoeuvrable model with fantastic scale
detail and appearance, the model comes complete with an easy
to follow photo illustrated assembly guide and a comprehensive
hardware pack that includes scale wheels, fuel tank, and pre-made
rigging wires with adjustable brass turnbuckles.
Extensive use of pre-painted or varnished hardwood is employed
in the construction of the landing gear, tailskid, cabane struts
and interplane struts, and these have correct airfoil sections
for extra scale effect.
Access to the fuel tank and radio bay is via the removable front
deck that comes with a hidden sprung hatch pin. This deck also
houses the cockpit area and the twin machine guns and features
the distinctive “hump” that ultimately gave the Sopwith
its name; “Camel”. |
- Designed for glow or electric power (both mounts included)
- No electric conversion is needed, motor mount, battery
mount, quick
- release battery hatch, and all necessary hardware included
- Scale WW1 painted pilot figure
- Dummy radial engine and detailed machine guns
- Hardwood interplane struts with brass bushing
- Bolt on hardwood cabane struts
- Painted hardwood and steel landing gear
- Hardwood tailskid
- Fully sprung “bungee” main axle
- Lightweight “Palmer aero wheels”
- Full rigging wires with brass turnbuckles
- Painted fibreglass cowl
- Cowl mounting blocks fitted and pegged for extra security
- One-piece top wing, two-piece bottom wing
- Removable front hatch, for easy access to radio etc
- Coupled top and bottom ailerons for greater control
- Fully covered with accurate WW1 markings in UltraCote
- Complete and extensive hardware pack
- Fully detailed and illustrated assembly guide
- Superb flight characteristics.
|
| |
| |
Wingspan |
155cm (61inch) |
| |
Length |
112cm (44inch) |
| |
Wing Area |
83.1 sq dm
(1288sq inch) |
| |
Weight |
3.4-3.9kg
(7.5-8.5lb) |
| |
Radio |
4 channels |
| |
Servos |
5 servos required |
| |
Engine |
(glow version)
Evolution 61NT two-stroke |
| |
Motor |
(electric
version) E-flite Power 46 outrunner |
| |
Battery |
(electric
version) 14.8Volt 6000Mah 4S3P Li-Po
|
|
|
|
|
