Sopwith Pup

The Sopwith “Pup” was instantly recognized by Manfred von Richthofen as an enemy aircraft that was superior to the best aircraft that the Germans had to offer at the time. The rapid development of fighter aircraft designs during the war would outclass the Pup within a year of its introduction. The Pup, known for its ability to land and take off in short distances, made it ideally suited for pioneering carrier deck experiments. Commander Edwin Dunning became the first to successfully land aboard a moving ship (HMS Furious) in August 1917 using a Pup. Unfortunately, he was killed on his third landing attempt when the aircraft went over the edge of the ship, into the sea.

This reproduction was built and flown by Dick King (Sir Percy Goodfellow) beginning in 1967. For 21 seasons he dueled with the evil Black Baron (Cole Palen) and his red Fokker Triplane in skies over Rhinebeck. In 1982, Mr. King sold it to the Owls Head Museum in Maine.  Lifetime fan of the Aerodrome and current air show pilot, Brian Coughlin, went to great lengths over a span of 10 years to see the King’s Pup come back to fly at Old Rhinebeck. By 2018, his vision became a reality. Brian was responsible for the bulk of the restoration work and once again flew it in the show in the fall of 2019.

Click for more information about the Sopwith Pup