Sopwith Bulldog

The Sopwith 2FR.2 Bulldog was a prototype two-seat fighter and reconnaissance biplane of the First World War, intended to replace the Bristol F.2 Fighter. The Sopwith Aviation Company began the design in August 1917 and was allowed to build prototypes. A 200 hp Hispano-Suiza was planned, but the engine was in heavy demand and the Clerget 11 eleven-cylinder rotary was chosen, which changed the designation to 2FR.2. The Bulldog was a compact single-bay biplane resembling the first Snipe prototype, with the pilot sitting under the upper wing with head and shoulders through a gap in the centre section and the observer aft. It had two Vickers guns and two Lewis guns, but it was unsuccessful, and no replacement for the Bristol Fighter was bought.