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Sopwith Pup

Refurbishment of the RAAF Museum's Sopwith Pup replica commenced in April 2002. Since its construction in 1977, the aircraft had retained the original mercerised cotton and nitrate dope finish which had more than outlived its expected lifespan. Complete re-covering of the airframe allowed for full structural inspection along with the rectification of known and found defects.

             

These inspections showed the need to replace damaged timber in the wing ribs of the mainplanes and centre section, replacement of a damaged flying wire, repairs to wing spars, replacement of interplane and cabane struts, repairs and modifications to the fuel tank and modifications to the aircraft's radio and electrical system.

After recovering with modern polyester fabric, it was decided to finish the aircraft in the colours of a training aircraft used by No 8 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps during World War I. Research utilising original photographs of the aircraft in service enabled an accurate portrayal of the true colour scheme of D4170 based in England during World War I. After this extensive refurbishment, the aircraft flew again on 6 February 2003.


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