Sopwith Snipe

7F.1 Snipe
A Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe replica
General information
TypeFighter
ManufacturerSopwith Aviation Company
Designer
Primary usersRoyal Air Force
Number built497
History
Introduction date1918
First flightOctober 1917
VariantsSopwith Salamander
Sopwith Dragon

The Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe is a British single-seat biplane fighter of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was designed and built by the Sopwith Aviation Company during the First World War, and came into squadron service a few weeks before the end of the conflict, in late 1918.

The Snipe was not a fast aircraft by the standards of its time, but its excellent climb and manoeuvrability made it a good match for contemporary German fighters.

It was selected as the standard postwar single-seat RAF fighter and the last examples were not retired until 1926.