The Sopwith Triplane is a pioneering British World War I fighter, instantly recognisable for its three-wing design that gave it excellent climb and maneuverability in combat. Discover Sopwith Triplane aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Sopwith Triplane listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Sopwith Triplane Aircraft for Sale on AvPay
The Sopwith Triplane is a First World War single-seat fighter built by the Sopwith Aviation Company in the UK, famous for its three narrow-chord wings and rapid climb. Discover Sopwith Triplane aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Sopwith Triplane listings and find available vintage aircraft and reproductions across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Use our aircraft marketplace to compare Sopwith Triplane prices, restoration quality, airframe time, engine type and documentation so you can buy with confidence.
Refine your Sopwith Triplane search on AvPay with our easy filters. Quickly find the right aircraft by condition, year of build or restoration, total time, location, price and seller.
As a leading aviation marketplace, AvPay features a wide range of aircraft for sale, including historic and replica Sopwith types. Explore our full Sopwith selection here, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
Found your ideal Sopwith Triplane? Connect directly with sellers on AvPay via WhatsApp, private message or phone to discuss pricing and specifications of the Sopwith Triplane Aircraft For Sale.
Interesting facts about the Sopwith Triplane
✈ The Triplane first flew on 28 May 1916 and entered service with Royal Naval Air Service squadrons later that year on the Western Front.
✈ Most production aircraft used the 130 hp Clerget 9B rotary engine with a two-blade fixed-pitch propeller.
✈ Pilots praised its phenomenal rate of climb and agility, which inspired several German makers to explore triplane designs.
✈ Standard armament was a single synchronised .303 Vickers machine gun, lighter than many contemporary fighters equipped with twin guns.
✈ Typical maximum speed was 117 mph at 5,000 ft with a service ceiling around 20,500 ft.
✈ The type’s compact planform featured three narrow-chord wings and a large balanced rudder that aided handling.
✈ Around 147 to 160 airframes were completed depending on the source, including contractor-built examples.
✈ Several accurate reproductions fly today at museums and airshows, keeping the “Tripehound” legend alive.
Sopwith Triplane Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. Do not use it for flight planning or aircraft operations. Variations in restoration, engine fit, propeller, materials and age will affect the figures below. Always verify precise specifications with the seller, the manufacturer or approved documentation.
Length: 5.74 m (18 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 8.08 m (26 ft 6 in)
Height: 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in)
Empty Weight: 499–500 kg (1,101 lb)
Gross Weight: 699–700 kg (1,541 lb)
Powerplant: Clerget 9B rotary, 130 hp (97 kW)
Range: 517 km (321 mi, 279 nm)
Endurance: 2 h 45 min
Service Ceiling: 6,200 m (20,500 ft)
Time to 1,829 m (6,000 ft): 5 min 50 s
Time to 4,999 m (16,400 ft): 26 min 30 s
FAQs About the Sopwith Triplane
How much does a Sopwith Triplane cost?
As of 2025, full-size replica kits were advertised around $167,282 for a complete set of components, excluding engine, avionics, and paint. Finished airworthy reproductions vary widely based on engine choice, build quality and provenance, typically ranging from the low to mid six figures.
Which engines are commonly used on flying Triplanes today?
Original aircraft used Clerget rotary engines rated at 110 or 130 hp. Many modern reproductions use period-style rotaries or substitute powerplants chosen for reliability and maintenance support; always confirm the installed engine and hours since major work.
What performance should I expect?
Published figures for the Clerget 9B version show about 117 mph maximum speed at 5,000 ft, a service ceiling near 20,500 ft and a strong initial climb documented at under six minutes to 6,000 ft.
How many Sopwith Triplanes were built?
Contemporary records indicate approximately 147 production airframes, with minor differences among sources due to prototypes, rebuilds and contractor totals.
What paperwork matters when buying a historic or replica Triplane?
Verify airframe and engine logs, materials traceability, airworthiness certification category, weight and balance, and any modern equipment installed. For replicas, confirm the plans set or kit type and compliance with local airworthiness regulations.
Get help buying a Sopwith Triplane Aircraft
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