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 versus 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 restarted, 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

See Langley’s Aerodrome #5 at KipAero Booth #310

At EAA AirVenture 2025, KipAero will be displaying an authentic reproduction of Langley’s Aerodrome #5. The original aerodrome successfully flew on May 6, 1986, proving that mechanical flight was possible, paving the way for early aviation. Also at EAA, KipAero will be demonstrating Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine starts at the Vintage area. For more information on EAA AirVenture 2025, click here.