The Sopwith Camel proved to be a useful night-fighter, both at home and overseas - but only after its twin Vickers guns were substituted for two mounted Lewis guns firing forward over the upper wing. The original configuration tended to produce flashes of light that dazzled the pilot, affecting night vision. To make it easier to reload the guns, the cockpit seat was moved about 12in (30cm) backwards and the fuel tank shifted forwards to compensate for it. For reasons unknown, the change in appearance led pilots to nickname the modified aircraft as the Sopwith Comic - though this never became official. The soubriguet was shared with the night-fighter version of the Sopwith 1~(1/2) Strutter.
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