Considered by many to be the best Allied fighter in service at the end of World War I, the Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe was designed by Herbert Smith to replace the aging Sopwith Camel. Custom built around the powerful 230 hp Bentley BR2 engine, the Snipe wasn't much faster than the Camel but it was easier to fly, offered better visibility from the cockpit and had an improved rate of climb.
On 27 October 1918, Canadian ace William Barker made the Sopwith Snipe famous in a single-handed battle with more than 60 enemy aircraft that earned him the Victoria Cross.
With 7 confirmed victories, Australian Elwyn King scored more victories with the Snipe than any other ace.
