DOLPHIN AND SNIPE ACES OF WORLD WAR 1 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No. 48)
Norman Franks
* The best-selling aviation series of recent years, with over 350,000 copies sold since its launch
*Comprehensive histories of the elite fighter pilots and the aircraft they flew
*A unique source of information researched by recognized experts, and rought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves
The last of the famous Sopwith fighters to enter service during World War I, the Dolphin and the Snipe built on the strong scouting heritage of the Pup and Camel. The Dolphin featured the unique negative-staggered biplane wing arrangement, which provided the pilot with the best possible tactical view forward and above for seeking out his enemy. It ws also heavily armed, boasting an unprecedented four machine guns. Entering service in February 1918, some 1532 Dolphins were completed by the end of 1918. Used extensively on the Western Front, the fighter proved very effective in combat, with 28 pilots (from Britain, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) scoring five kills with the type to "make ace." The Snipe was built as the successor to the highly successful Camel, and entered service with the fledgling Royal Air Force in August 1918. Although seeing just a few months of action before the Armistice, the Snipe nevertheless proved its superiority over virtually all other fighters. 96 pages.