Sopwith Dove (replica)

The Sopwith Dove was developed in 1919 as a civil two seat derivative of the Sopwith Pup single seat fighter which had operated with such great success during the latter part of WW I.

The Sopwith Aeroplane Company built ten Doves, all but one of which were two-seaters, in an endeavour to enter the civil aviation market with an aircraft possessing the excellent flying qualities of its wartime forbear. The main structural alterations were the addition of a second seat, and sweepback on the wings to allow for the subsequent more rearward position of the centre of gravity.

Arguably one of the most significant events in the type’s career was a flight at Hounslow on 10 May 1919, by Dove G-EACM, in which the then Prince of Wales flew with Major W G Barker VC as pilot. This flight was undertaken in the face of the considerable displeasure shown by the Prince’s father, King George V.

About this aircraft

This aeroplane is a faithful replica, built by Skysport Engineering, and is owned by Andrew Woods by whom it is loaned to the Collection. Its registration was originally allocated to a Dove which was sold abroad in May 1919.

The Dove was first based at Old Warden in the late 1990s but in July 2000 nosed over when the wheels collapsed during a landing, damaging the undercarriage and destroying the propeller. After lengthy repairs the machine returned to Old Warden in May 2015.

Specification