If you want to build a plane that will make you the envy of everyone at the airport and have people lined up to see your plane everywhere you go, KIPAERO has just the kit for you. It is an authentic replica of a Sopwith 1½ Strutter complete with a Gnome rotary engine. The engine is reverse-engineered from a museum piece using modern metals and machining techniques, but otherwise is an exact copy of the original.
The airframe is spruce and ash with brace wires and turnbuckles just like the original. In fact it is built from original Sopwith drawings.
The cost of the complete kit with engine and prop is $182,050. Replica Sopwith Pups and Camels are also available. At this time none are flying but they expect to have a flying example at AirVenture next year.
Even in its unfinished state it is a thing of beauty. Unfortunately the cost will deter all but the most dedicated enthusiast.
