First World War aviation is often overshadowed by the broader land and sea campaigns, but the skies saw significant developments and technological advancements. One such innovation was the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, a versatile British biplane that served as a fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft during the Great War. Now, over a century later, a remarkable replica of the Strutter—named Sophie—has taken to the skies thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers from East Lothian, Scotland.
A labour of love over 24 years
This replica, painstakingly built by the Aviation Preservation Society of Scotland (APSS), represents 24 years of passion, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. Constructed from over 2,700 parts and featuring a wooden frame, Sophie is the only full-sized, airworthy WWI aircraft in Scotland.
The Sopwith 1½ Strutter was an engineering milestone of its time. It was the first British aircraft to feature an interrupter gear, allowing a forward-firing machine gun to shoot without damaging the propeller. The aircraft’s adaptability made it invaluable during the war, although its relatively stable design was not ideal for dogfights, leading to its eventual replacement by aircraft like the Sopwith Camel.
Watch Sophie fly
The first flight of this incredible replica recently took place at RAF Kirknewton, marking a historic moment for WWI aviation enthusiasts and the APSS team.
Sophie on the One Show:
Sophie's first flight:
Explore more about the Strutter
For those interested in learning more about the history and significance of the Sopwith 1½ Strutter, Contact! magazine offers an excellent background on the project. The magazine is available for free download from the Great War Aviation Society.
Official Sopwith 1½ Strutter project links: