Nieuport
Type 28
#

Photo: Robert Deering 10/23/2006
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Chantilly, Virginia
The French-built Nieuport 28 became the first fighter airplane flown in combat by pilots of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. On April 14, 1918, resulted in two victories when Lts. Alan Winslow and Douglas Campbell of the 94th Aero Squadron each downed an enemy aircraft -- the first victories by an AEF unit.

The lightly built Nieuport 28 developed a reputation for shedding its upper wing fabric in a dive, and by the spring of 1918, many considered the Nieuport 28 obsolete. Even so, American pilots maintained a favorable ratio of victories to losses with it. Many American aces of WWI, including 26-victory ace Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, flew the Nieuport at one time or another in their careers. The less maneuverable, but faster and sturdier, SPAD XIII began replacing the Nieuport 28 in March 1918.
     
Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)

Dayton, Ohio

Photo: Robert Deering 4/18/2015
National Museum of Naval Aviation
NAS Pensacols (NPA)
Pensacola, Florida

Photo: Robert Deering 9/3/2011
Museum of Flight
King County International Airport (BFI)
Seattle, Washington
   
SPECIFICATIONS: PERFORMANCE:
Span: 26 ft. 3 in.
Length: 
24 ft. 4 in.
Height:  8 ft.
Empty Weight:  

Gross Weight: 
1,625 lbs. loaded
Crew:
Maximum speed: 122 mph
Cruising speed:

Range:
180 miles
Service ceiling:
17,000 ft.
Engines: Gnome N-9 rotary of 160 hp
Armament: Two Vickers .303-cal. machine guns
   
SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force