The Rotherham Air Pump was a small, propeller-driven fuel pump mounted externally on aircraft struts or fuselages. It provided constant fuel pressure to the engine by pressurizing the main fuel tank, reducing reliance on manual hand pumps. Compact, reliable, and easy to install, it became a standard feature on many British aircraft during the First World War.

Aircraft powered by the Rotherham Air Pump

• Airco DH.2 – early pusher fighter.
• Airco DH.9 – light bomber.
• Airco DH.9a “Ninak” – improved bomber variant.
• Bristol F.2b Fighter – two-seat fighter and reconnaissance aircraft.
• Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b – pusher fighter and bomber.
• Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8 "Harry Tate" – reconnaissance aircraft.
• Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 / S.E.5a – one of the most successful British fighters.
• Sopwith 5F.1 Dolphin – high-performance fighter.
• Sopwith Camel – famous British single-seat fighter.
• Sopwith Pup – light and maneuverable fighter.
• Sopwith Scout – early single-seat biplane scout.
• Sopwith Snipe – late-war fighter, successor to the Camel.
• Sopwith Triplane – distinctive three-wing fighter.

Historical significance

The Rotherham Air Pump became a hallmark of British WWI aircraft engineering. By automating fuel pressurization, it allowed pilots to focus on combat and navigation rather than manually operating fuel systems. Its widespread adoption across the Sopwith line, as well as Royal Aircraft Factory designs, demonstrates its importance in the evolution of early aviation technology.

This Rotherham Air Pump has been created using 3D printing technology and was designed based on real samples. The drawings were kindly provided by John S Shaw.

The set consists of 2 items - one for your model and another for carpet monster.{{freeshipping_code_1}}{{payment}}