The East Lothian region of Scotland is known for its solid beauty, including coastlines, rolling hills and historically soaked castles. But another heritage hiding near North Burwick has been flying: Sopwith 1.5 strutter full scale, accommodating replica, affectionately named Sophie. Built by dedicated volunteers Scottish Aeronautical Protection Society (APSS)this extraordinary plane brought new life to a critical segment of the aviation history of World War I.
Founded in 1973, APSS is a charitable organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic aircraft and aviation artifacts. The association consists primarily of enthusiastic retirees and aviation enthusiasts, operates in North Berwick and has been built for itself through meticulous craftsmanship and community-driven efforts. story Sophie It began in 2000 when Adam Smith of the National Flight Museum commissioned APSS to build the first World War aircraft. The project begins humble in a shed, but followed by a 24-year journey of engineering, perseverance and pride.
Rebirth
The original Sopwith1½strutter was a multi-purpose British biplane introduced during World War I. It was produced in single-seat and two-seat configurations, the first British “tractor” aircraft that attacked the forward engine and the first to launch a synchronous machine gun through a propeller arc into combat. The unique combination of Strutter in fighter escort and long range reconnaissance characters is named after a unique combination of short and long support poles that support the upper wings, and is then surpassed by agile German aircraft such as the Albatros series.
The spiral spiral rod has a speed of up to 100 mph, a service ceiling of 15,500 feet, and a stamina of nearly four hours. It carries a forward’s .303 Vickers Gun, the gun, the observer’s rear Lewis gun and up to 130 pounds of bombs, making it a well-equipped multi-purpose machine in its time.
architecture Sophie
APSS’s replica effort gained power in 2013, with the arrival of its modern powerplant (Australian-made Rotec radial engine). In the same year, the frame of the aircraft was assembled at the National Flight Hangar 3 Museum, especially with the legendary Concorde. Key structural components – including the original WWI-era manufacturer Musselburgh’s Brunton Wireworks provides periodically accurate flight wires and provides authenticity for the build.
In 2014, the project moved to Fangar 1, where structural integrity and rigging were carefully verified. Between 2016 and 2017, the team completed the post-Scarff Ring Mount for the Observer’s machine gun. However, the National Flight Museum eventually had to withdraw its support, prompting APS to relocate the project to a workshop in Congalton, East Lothian. By the end of 2018, just before Armistice Day, the plane had completely covered the fabric of the period and painted it in real painting. The rest is Sophie Go to the sky.
First flight and future plans
After twenty years of labor, on September 17, 2024, Sophie Finally soared. APSS describes the present as “proving determination, resilience and the power of community.” Achievements quickly attracted widespread attention and won a feature A program In November 2024, and helps increase interest in social mission. Inspired by reopen participation, APSS is now expanding its educational outreach with increasing emphasis on STEM learning programs for young people. Although nothing confirmed, it is suggested that their next project might involve another great war classic – Sopwith Pup. Now, now Sophie Still the star of the show: flying symbols of heritage, craftsmanship and community spirit. For more information, please visit www.apss.scot
