Osprey has really hit it big on their various series of books and none has done better than their Aces series. This particular book is #62 and covers Sopwith Triplane Aces of WWI. These men are in a rather elite grouping as there were not that many Sopwith Triplanes built; some estimates being that there were less than 200 aircraft actually constructed.

However, the aircraft had several advantages over the German Albatros D.III fighters of the time. One was that the thinner wings offered better pilot vision over the standard biplane. Another is that, with three wings providing lift, it was able to climb much better than its opponents and this additional lifting surface also imparted excellent maneuverability. There are several pilot stories about flying the Sopwith Triplane and to a man they all commented on how easy an aircraft it was to fly; unlike the much more difficult Sopwith Camel that was to come a bit later.

Downside of the aircraft was that it was armed with only one gun in a time when the Germans had two. Another was that it was reported to be quick to shed wings in a dive. When the more powerful 130 hp engine was put into the aircraft, some were modified to carry twin guns while a few pilots added additional rigging to help keep the wings on it.

The aircraft was operated entirely by the RNAS and despite being in combat for only a few months (such was the speed of aviation development), it enabled a number of pilots to achieve a stunning string of victories against the enemy. Probably the most well-known of those pilots was Raymond Collishaw, who flew with 10 Sq RNAS and was leader of the famous 'Black Flight' where all the aircraft were prefixed with 'Black'. He was also the top scoring Triplane ace with 34 of his 60 victories scored in this aircraft, many in his aircraft named 'Black Maria'. Unknown to this reader was that the French also operated a handful of Triplanes, but apparently they were not as successful with it as the British.

As with all the 'Aces' books, this one has a full listing of pilots and squadrons as well as a healthy number of color profiles and a very nice three-view drawing of the aircraft. There are also a goodly number of quality period photographs of the men and aircraft. It is a book that, once you start reading, you can't put down. Highly recommended.

Available in bookstores everywhere, through Classic Motorbooks at (800) 826-6600 or at www.motorbooks.com. For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com

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