Sopwith replica flies in Australia

摘要

A reproduction of a Sopwith Pup flew for the first time at Watts Bridge in Queensland, Australia, on May 17. Experienced airline pilot and founder of The Australian Vintage Aviation Society (TAVAS) Andrew Carter was at the controls for the Pup's debut flight. After circling the small airfield several times, he landed and reported the machine to have "virtually no vices". The Pup, which is powered by a modified VW 2275cc Type 1 engine giving similar power to the original Le Rhone radial (80hp or 60kW), was built by Bruce and Mary Clarke over the course of two years. It is painted to represent 19-7309, a machine flown by Australian-born Royal Flying Corps pilot Patrick 'P G' Taylor who scored five victories in 66 Squadron Pups against German Albatros fighters.