Sopwith Camel

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The Sopwith Camel was a World War I single-seat biplane fighter aircraft used by the British Royal Flying Corps and later by the United States Army Air Service. Its distinctive humped back is instantly recognizable, making it one of history's most iconic planes. Built by the British manufacturer Sopwith Aviation Company in 1916-1917, the Camel was designed by Herbert Smith, who also designed the earlier Pup model. It first flew on December 5, 1916, and entered service with the RFC in April 1917. Initially criticized for being difficult to handle, pilots soon adapted to its unique characteristics, which included a high rate of climb and maneuverability. However, this came at a cost: the Camel was notoriously sensitive to control inputs, requiring precise and careful handling to avoid stalling or spinning out of control. The Sopwith Camel's impressive performance in combat earned it numerous victories over German aircraft during World War I. Its impressive record made it a favorite among pilots, who praised its agility and firepower. Despite these successes, the Camel suffered heavy losses due to its inherent fragility, making it one of history's most deadly planes. The Sopwith Camel saw action on all fronts during World War I, including France, Belgium, and Palestine. Its combat record is impressive, with over 5,900 aerial victories credited to this aircraft.