 |
|
Map
from An Atlas of Australia’s Wars (Oxford, 2001) by
LTGEN John Coates
|
New
fabric and markings have given a replica Pup a fresh look, as Teena
Cardillo reports
THE RAAF Museum’s replica Sopwith Pup has made a triumphant
return to the sky after major maintenance works.
The
aircraft, the only airworthy example of its type in Australia,
was test flown at Point Cook and made its return to public display
at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon last month.
The
Pup was reduced to a mere skeleton of its former self during a
routine servicing which provided an opportunity for Museum technicians
to “rebag” the aircraft, replacing its fabric covering.
The
aircraft now carries entirely new markings, that of D4170, an
aircraft that flew with the No. 8 (Training) Squadron, Australian
Flying Corps (AFC), at Leighterton, England during World War I.
“One
of the most difficult parts of the process was repairing some
damaged bolt holes in the main spars which required the development
of special techniques and tooling to carry out the job,”
Technical Officer Brett Clowes said.
After
nearly nine months of work, he said that it was very pleasing
to see the aircraft flying once again.
“Any
time you see an aircraft completely transformed in that manner
is extremely satisfying,” he said.
“Probably
the most satisfying part was that through this process, we were
able to improve the aircraft’s flying qualities.”
The
Pup’s pilot, Wing Commander Lyn Mathews, was privileged to
test-fly the aircraft at Point Cook after its reassembly.
WGCDR Mathews also had the opportunity to fly the aircraft with
a formation of US biplanes at the Avalon airshow, including a
Fokker Triplane and Sopwith Camel (both replicas).
Enthusiasts
can see the Pup at Point Cook as part of the Museum’s Interactive
Flying Program.
This
replica was one of two constructed in Australia by Transavia in
the late 1970s.
The
aircraft was built to original plans, and retains most of the
features of the original aircraft. One important concession has
been made with a more modern (c.1930) radial engine replacing
the original rotary engine.
The
Sopwith Scout (later called the Pup) originally served with the
Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). A total of 170 aircraft were built
for that service, beginning in late 1916.
Notwithstanding
their Naval origins, the majority of Pups constructed served with
the Royal Flying Corps (UK), with a total of 1670 built initially
as fighters.
They
were also involved in a training role from 1918 and were used
by the AFC in England as trainers during World War I.
In
1919, 12 Pups were supplied to the AFC as part of the Imperial
Gift when the British government contributed aircraft and equipment
to the AFC for its role in the war effort.
Upon
formation of the Royal Australian Air Force in 1921, the aircraft
were allotted to No. 1 Flying Training School at Point Cook for
use as an intermediate fighter trainer until 1925.
The
type gained the nickname Pup because the RFC and RNAS pilots appreciated
its dog-fighting qualities.
The
first combat victory by a pilot flying the Pup was achieved by
Australian Sub-Lieutenant Stanley Goble while serving with the
RNAS on September 24, 1916. He went on to become an Air Vice-Marshal
and three-time Chief of Air Staff.
The
leading Australian ace of World War I, Captain Robert Little DSO,
DSC achieved nine of his 47 “kills” while flying the
Pup with the RNAS.
The
single-seat biplane had a top speed of 108 knots per hour. As
a fighter, it carried a fixed synchronised Vickers machine gun
and could fly for around three hours.
-
Teena Cardillo is the Public Affairs Officer at the RAAF Museum.
