The Sopwith Camel and Eurofighter Typhoon: Unstable, Agile, Air Superiority Fighters of Their Times

Published: 12 January 2015

Date & Time: 19:00-20:30 PM, 14th of January 2015, Wednesday. Venue: Royal Aeronautical Society Highland Branch, at Elgin Library.

Dr. Eric Gillies of the Aerospace Sciences Division at Glasgow University will be giving an invited talk to the Royal Aeronautical Society Highland Branch on 'The Sopwith Camel and Eurofighter Typhoon: Unstable, Agile, Air Superiority Fighters of Their Times', examining the requirements of a modern air combat fighter like the latest RAF quick reaction alert aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and draws parallels with the earliest dedicated RAF (RFC and RNAS) fighter, the Sopwith Camel of WW1, on the 14th of January 2015, Wednesday.

Abstract is given below.

Date & Time: 19:00-20:30 PM, 14th of January 2015, Wednesday
Venue: Royal Aeronautical Society Highland Branch, at Elgin Library

 

 


Abstract

This public lecture is a discussion of the requirements of a modern air combat fighter like the latest RAF quick reaction alert aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and draws parallels with the earliest dedicated RAF(RFC and RNAS) fighter, the Sopwith Camel of WW1. The lecture discusses the stability of the Camel, and its well known but confusing handling characteristics. A lot of historical information is also to be presented and the talk will give the audience a feel for the characteristics of fighters from 100 years ago. The lecture material was put together for aeronautical engineering students at Glasgow, and to help inform the painting of "Captain Woollett's Camel" by Professor Dugald Cameron OBE, in 2014.

First published: 12 January 2015