Picture No 0270

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The Sopwith Triplane was used in combat by the Royal Naval Air Service. The stack of three wings reduced wingspan and increased wing area making it handle and climb better than biplanes. Visibility from the cockpit was outstanding but the "Tripe" was slower and less heavily armed than it's German opponents. The Germans were impressed with its performance and a captured Triplane inspired the development of the Fokker DR.I. The Triplane was eventually withdrawn from service and replaced with the Sopwith Camel.
The triplane (G-BOCK), more usually referred to as DIXIE, due to its colour scheme, which replicates aircraft N 6290, that flew with No 8 Squadron Royal Naval Air Service, was delivered to the Collection in June 1990, where an original 130hp Clerget engine was installed. DIXIE has been a regular display aircraft since her first flight on 10 April 1992. Sir Tom Sopwith, the founder of the original aircraft company, who supported the project throughout his later life, honoured the society when he decreed that Northern Aeroplane Workshops triplane should be considered as a late production example. This is reflected in manufacturers plate in the cockpit being No 153.
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