A meticulous 24-year endeavour by the Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland (APSS) has borne fruit as a remarkable replica of the Sopwith 1½ Strutter—a First World War biplane—has successfully taken flight. This aircraft, affectionately named Sophie the Strutter, was crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers from East Lothian to honour the sacrifices of those who defended Edinburgh and Rosyth during the Great War.
The inaugural flight of Sophie the Strutter was a significant milestone, marking the culmination of decades of commitment. Shared widely on social media, the APSS expressed their joy, stating, “The day is finally here! Sophie took off into the skies for the very first time. It was an emotional day full of pride and pure joy. 24 years in the making, and she soared like an angel.”
This announcement resonated with supporters, who left messages of congratulations and admiration. Among the comments were expressions of joy and curiosity, with one follower requesting footage of the flight without background music to hear the plane’s distinctive engine sounds—described as “popping, purring, and roaring.”
The Sopwith 1½ Strutter: A Revolutionary Aircraft
First introduced in 1916 following its maiden flight the previous year, the Sopwith 1½ Strutter was a game-changer in aviation history. It earned its unusual name due to its unique wing design, which utilised both long and short struts for structural support.
The aircraft held the distinction of being the first British two-seat tractor fighter and was equipped with a synchronised machine gun—allowing the gun to fire through the propeller arc without damaging the blades. This innovative feature marked a significant advancement in aerial combat technology during the Great War.
Operated by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, the Sopwith 1½ Strutter was not only used in British military operations but also adopted by Commonwealth forces and other allied nations. Its versatility and reliability made it an indispensable asset for reconnaissance, bombing missions, and as a fighter plane.
A Special Connection to History
The APSS’s Sophie the Strutter is a faithful replica of a Sopwith 1½ Strutter once flown by Vice Admiral Richard Bell Davies, a decorated pilot and recipient of the Victoria Cross. His aircraft famously became the first to land and take off from HMS Argus, a revolutionary ship that laid the groundwork for modern aircraft carriers.
This connection to Bell Davies underscores the historical significance of the replica. With special permissions granted by the Royal Navy and the Civil Aviation Authority, Sophie carries the original markings and registration of F-2211, preserving its authenticity and historical legacy.
Remembering the Great War
The painstaking recreation of Sophie the Strutter pays homage to the engineering marvels of the past and also honours the men and women who lived through the hardships of the First World War. Planes like the Sopwith 1½ Strutter played a vital role in shifting the dynamics of warfare, enabling reconnaissance and combat missions that were crucial to military strategy.
Image Source:
- Sophie is a replica of the first aircraft to carry out a carrier landing (Picture: Mike Harper): ForcesNews Mike Harper
