Authentic Sopwith Airplanes with Rotary Engines
Authentic Reproductions for the Original Experience
KipAero’s full-size, authentic Sopwith airplanes are developed using the original factory drawings and period correct materials. Fitted with new production rotary engines, the result is just like the original flying experience of one hundred years ago. The Sopwith reproduction aeroplanes – 1½ Strutter, Pup, Triplane, and Camel – are available in kit form or assembled.
Our goal is to assist the vintage aviation enthusiast by providing the parts and expertise needed to accurately build, restore, repair and maintain your vintage airplane. Please call us at (888) 243-0440 or use our contact form and let us know how we can help you with your vintage aviation project.
Reproduction verses Replica? What’s the difference?
A reproduction is exactly like the original. It is produced to factory specifications using period materials and original drawings. Essentially, production stopped, then production re-started, albeit a hundred years later. The experience of flying a reproduction is exactly like flying the original aeroplane.
A replica is not produced to original specifications, may not use original materials or even an original type engine. To the uneducated, it may look somewhat like an original, but certainly does not fly like one.
All of KipAero’s kits are authentic reproductions.
What’s Happening at KipAero
Special Project – Langley’s Aerodrome #5
Contracted by the Langley Flight Foundation, KipAero fabricated and built an authentic reproduction of Langley’s Aerodrome #5 that successfully flew on May 6, 1986, proving mechanical flight was possible. Check out the build process and delivery here.