Sopwith Dolphin Country: UK Type: Fighter Manufacturer: Sopwith Service: 1918 - 1919 First Flight: 23 May 1917 Production: 1,532

The Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin was a British fighter aircraft manufactured by the Sopwith Aviation Company. It was used by the Royal Flying Corps and its successor, the Royal Air Force, during the First World War.

The Dolphin Mk I became operational with Nos. 19 and 79 Squadrons in February 1918. Nos. 87 and 23 Squadrons followed in March. Other British squadrons used the Dolphin in small numbers. One Canadian squadron was equipped with Dolphins but did not become operational before the Armistice.

A total of 1,532 Dolphins were produced by Sopwith, Darracq Motor Engineering Co. and Hooper & Co.

Only British No. 79 Squadron continued to operate the Dolphin into the postwar period. Based at Bickendorf, Germany as part of the Army of Occupation, the squadon remained active until July 1919.

The last Dolphins to see service were 10 examples used by Polish forces in the Polish-Soviet War. From August 1920, these aircraft were primarily used for ground attack duties in the Battle of Warsaw and other actions. Two were shot down and the rest were withdrawn by 1923.

General characteristics