Sopwith Snipe

Sopwith Snipe [ William Barker's E8102]

A descendant of the Sopwith Camel, the Sopwith Snipe was equipped with a more powerful engine and provided better visibility from the cockpit. Though not much faster than the Camel, the Snipe had a better rate of climb and pilots found it much easier to fly.


On 27 October 1918, Canadian ace William Barker made the Sopwith Snipe famous in a single-handed battle with more than 60 enemy aircraft that earned him the Victoria Cross.
With 7 confirmed victories, Australian Elwyn King scored more victories with the Snipe than any other ace.

Country: Great Britain
Manufacturer: Sopwith Aviation Company
Type: Fighter
First Introduced: 1918
Number Built: 497
Engine(s): Bentley B.R.2, 230 hp
Wing Span: 31 ft 1 in
Length: 19 ft 10 in
Height: 9 ft 6 in
Empty Weight: 1312 lb
Gross Weight: 2020 lb
Max Speed: 121 mph
Ceiling: 19,500 ft
Endurance: 3 hrs
Crew: 1
Armament: 2 machine guns