The Sopwith Snipe 7F.1:
Historical Notes:
As early as the Spring of 1917, the Air Board in Britain was already looking to the future of fighter aircraft. The Sopwith Camel and Se-5a were great machines, but they could already foresee (based on past experience) how quickly they would become obsolete. The heart of a great combat aircraft was arguably the engine, and it was to the experimental Bentley Rotary 2, designed by Lieutenant W.O. Bentley, that the Board looked for an answer. By that fall, the B.R.2 finalized bench tests, and demonstrated itself to be a first class powerplant. The Sopwith company was chosen to supply this new fighter, and the design was given the designation 7F.1 Snipe.When the first prototype of the Snipe came out near the close of 1917, there was a striking similarity to the Camel. But upon closer examination, the differences became clear. The fuselage was larger to accommodate the new B.R.2, while the back had a more pronounced hump. The rudder was notched at the top (later dropped in production models), while the wings were of a single-bay type (having only one set of struts on either side). The Snipe showed instant promise. After initial testing it was decided to strengthen the wings by going to a two-bay arrangement. In the two-bay version the added struts caused considerable drag, slowing the speed. But its strength and rate of climb was impressive. Furthermore, it was remarkably maneuverable, aided in large part by the ailerons on each wing. The weight of the plane kept the rotary from causing the same torque effects so notorious in the Camel, yet it was determined in later tests that the Snipe could out turn the new German Fokker D.VII (fielded in the Spring of 1918). Handling was excellent and relatively easy, especially in light of the Camel's idiosyncracies. The two-bay arrangement added additional strength to the wings, while the size of the fuselage, with extra longerons and metal framing, along with aluminum and wood siding, made the entire aircraft one of the most combat worthy of the war.
Armament was conventional, being twin Vickers machineguns firing from under a cover directly behind the cowling. Although some tests were done with an added Lewis gun (mounted on the center section slightly to the right), it was found that the added weight degraded performance and the idea was dropped. By the time production started additional modifications had added horn- balanced ailerons on the upper wings, and a new rudder unit without the notch. Production orders were placed for over 1,800, but only 97 were at the front by Oct. 31, 1918. Snipes equipped Squadrons No. 43, 208 and No. 4 Australian Flying Corps. The Snipe was the standard
Royal Air Force fighter after the war, and was in front line service up to 1927. It was also a preferred machine for post-war air shows.
However, the Snipe is best known for the fame it received while flown by Canadian Major William G. Barker. Barker had been posted to command a training unit in England, but managed to get a temporary assignment to Squadron No. 208. The 208 still flew the Camel, so the Snipe Barker was flying was given as a "personal" machine. After a brief stay at the front, where he added to his personal score (now 46), he was ordered home. Loaded with fuel and flying toward the coast, Barker had pushed his machine up to 22,000 feet (well above certified service ceiling). He decided to use the time to find a target of opportunity, and having slipped over the lines, spotted a German high-flying Rumpler 2-seater. Diving upon it, he shot it up and sent it crashing to earth, following it down some to confirm the kill. And then his world seemed to explode. A Fokker D.VII (one source says it was a Dr-1, but this does not match his record of claims) struck swiftly and unexpectedly and a bullet shattered his right thigh. Unable to use right rudder because of the incredible agony, Barker still out maneuvered his enemy and flamed him.
And now he saw what can only be imagined in one's worse nightmare. The entire strength of Jagdgeschwader 3 (Jastas 2, 26, 27, and 36), positioned in an 8,000 foot step formation, was closing in on him. In all, close to sixty aircraft, most if not all Fokker D.VIIs! Without thinking, Barker instinctively turned the Snipe into a gaggle of fifteen enemy machines screaming down upon him. The German pilots, confused and alarmed, swerved madly to dodge him, and Barker managed to catch another from behind, sending him down in a ball of flames at a range of only ten yards. But now the German pilots realized that Barker was alone, and began to attack in waves of five, hammering the Snipe with burst after burst from their Maxim machineguns. Over 300 bullets slammed into his machine, with one of them smashing his left leg. In tremendous pain and hardly able to use even left rudder, Barker was forced to maneuver his machine with stick and throttle, while the wind flying through the cockpit whipped his blood into a fine spray, coating the entire interior and instrument panel. As the loss of blood hit, Barker passed out, and the Snipe began to spin, losing close to 5 or 6,000 feet.
Yet, the battle was far from over. The rushing air revived him, and as Barker cleared his head, he realized he was in the middle of 12-15 Fokker D.VIIs, attacking him like a swarm of hornets. Barker quickly realized he was doomed, and decided to sell his life dearly. The other Fokkers were closing in, and there was simply no escape. He steered his machine toward an enemy plane, intent on ramming him, but instead shot him down. As he spotted a gap in the attacking enemy, he tried to push the stick forward to dive, but realized his arm would not respond. That's when he saw that an incendiary bullet had shattered his right elbow. Barker started to take control with his left arm, but the mental awareness of the wound caused Barker to once more pass out. His plane went into a rapid flat spin, falling another few thousand feet before the wind once more revived him.
But the Germans continued their relentless attack! Swarming about him, Barker again tried to ram another Fokker, but was subconsciously pressing the Bowden control and while only feet from the enemy plane, it burst into flames and fell. Barker slammed his stick to the side and throttled back trying to evade the wreckage, and as he did a German plane shot up the main fuel tank directly beneath his seat. Switching to his reserve and once more diving through a hole in the mass of enemy planes, Barker turned toward his lines. Miraculously he remained conscious and crashed his machine into the midst of a Scottish regiment. The Snipe was a wreck, but its strength saved his life. When Barker was pulled free, his rescuers were amazed he was even alive. Barker's kill credits for this action seems to be in dispute. There is no doubt he shot down at least four planes (the Rumpler and 3 D.VIIs). However, some sources indicate 2 probables as well. His official record shows only four, bringing his total to 50. Part of the difficulty stems from Barker's own cloudy recollection of the confused events.
His recovery was slow, and he remained unconscious for two weeks. However, he didn't lose a single limb, and recovered enough to walk in the parade when he received his Victory Cross. A strange footnote hangs on William Barker's life. After the war he lived with constant pain, but still managed to help form the Royal Canadian Air Force. But in 1930, while testing a new plane, it suddenly, and for no apparent reason, nosed into the airfield. The investigation afterwards could make no determination of any mechanical malfunction. Thus died one of Canada's greatest aces.
Basic performance statistics: Snipe 7F.1 (trial report M.226)
Engine: Bentley Rotary 230 hp
Weight: empty 1,312; loaded 2,020
Maximum speed: 121 mph at 10,000 feet
Climb rate: to 10,000 feet.... 9 min, 25 sec.
Service ceiling: 19,500 feet
Flight endurance: 3 hours
Basic Specifications (vary from model to model):
Manufacturer: Sopwith Aviation Company, Ltd.
Dimensions: Span 31 ft, 1 in; Length 19 ft, 10 in; Height: 9 ft, 6 in; Stagger: 16 in; Dihedral: 4 deg.; Incidence: 1.83 deg.
Areas: Wings 271 sq ft; Rudder 9 sq ft
Fuel: Main tank 38.5 gallons; oil 7 gallons
Armament: twin Vickers machineguns synchronized to fire through the airscrew; four 25lb bombs
Typical ammo load: 400-500 rounds per gun
Primary sources: "Jane's Fighting Aircraft of World War I, 1919 (1990 reprint); "British Aeroplanes, 1914-1918," J.M. Bruce; "German Aircraft of the First World War," Gray and Thetford; "German Air Power in World War I," Morrow; "Fighter Aircraft of the 1914-1918 War," Lamberton, et al; "Aircraft Camouflage and Markings 1907-1954," Robertson et al; "Military Small Arms of the 20th Century," Hogg and Weeks; "Aces High," Alan Clark; "Heroes of the Sunlit Sky," Arch Whitehouse.
Fighting and winning in the Sopwith Snipe 7F.1:
The Sopwith Snipe will out turn nearly every WW I machine. Only the Camel and Fokker Triplane can out maneuver it. The Fokker D.VII and VIII can hold its own with it. But the Snipe has another advantage, that being possibly the toughest single seat scout to fly. It will absorb tremendous punishment, even in the wings. It's twin Vickers arrangement is conventional, but with its strength and maneuverability, the Snipe is possibly the most dangerous aircraft fielded during the war. The Snipe is also a rapid climber, and this gives a pilot the chance to set himself up for the attack.The primary weakness is its speed. Even though it can fly up to 120 mph, by late war this was considered average. The Fokker D.VII and VIII are both slightly faster, as are the Spad XIII and Se-5a. Therefore, once in a fight, you must fight your way out. Running away will be very difficult (as Major W.G. Barker found out!). Another difficulty is inherent in the Snipe's maneuverability. Once in the fight, it is tempting to go into a twisting, turning melee. As a result, when flying in team games it will be very difficult for fellow pilots to stay together. Finding yourself alone, you may be attacked quickly while trying to shoot another enemy down. In team games, pilots should try to stay together, and only break up when they have to.
The Sopwith Snipe is remarkably maneuverable, and this asset is your best weapon. In many ways it is the ultimate "lone wolf" machine, and is ideally suited for flying alone on the Zone. If you fly it alone on the Zone, be careful to pick and choose your fights. Dive in and use your turning ability to stay with them and take them out. The strength of the airframe should help protect you when you're attacked. Once you finish your attack, you can attempt to disengage. If you can, the excellent climb rate allows you to gain altitude..... and a superior position..... quickly.
