Nieuport 28

Newport 28 History

The air combat of World War I (1914-1918) turned into a competitive battle as technology dictated the latest performance upgrades for both sides' aircraft. During the war, French follower Newport rose to fame by producing a series of famous biplane fighters, starting with the Newport 11 "Babe" early in the war. Based on a commercial racing car, this fighter provided outstanding performance and handling in 1915 and helped end the dreaded "Fokker Disaster" - a period of German air supremacy. Bebe saw a series of like-minded agility-based biplanes culminating in the Nieuport 28 (N.

28) in 1918. Like many early Nieuport products, this hunter owes its design to Gustave Delage.

Due to the limited supply of the new SPAD S. XIII to the incoming Americans, the Nieuport 28 was passed on to them - becoming the first combat fighter aircraft flown by American pilots in the war. The N.28 has spawned the careers of ace players like Eddie Rickenbacker (26 kills).

Unlike the previous Nieuport 17 design, the N. 28 had a more powerful engine in a Gnome 9N rotary engine rated at 160 hp (110 hp compared to the N. 17's Le Rhone 9J). Brand new wings were also installed (almost the same area up and down), as well as a pair of fixed front-firing Vickers machine guns (the N. 17 carried only one machine gun).

The V-shaped struts so common on earlier Nieuports have now been replaced by the more traditional parallel strut approach, adding strength to the upper and lower wingspans. The fuselage takes on an increasingly streamlined shape from nose to tailthe engine is encased in a curved metal component, while the tail fin sits at the very end of the tapered fuselage.

The fin consists of a vertical fin and low horizontal plane. The pilot sits below and behind the upper wing unit. The undercarriage remains attached to the wheels on the main legs and simple rails on the tail. The first flight of the product was recorded on June 14, 1917.

The 297 N. 28 was eventually produced - plus several other prototypes - most of which were in service with the Americans. Production was eventually taken over by Nieuport and Liore et Olivier, although early deliveries can be seen without machine guns.

The lack of adequate armament limits the aircraft for ad hoc training. Over time, with the advent of the necessary machine guns, the aircraft proved to be a suitable firing platform.

The US groups that deployed N. 28s were the 27th, 94th, 95th and 147th Air Squadrons, while some N. 28s entered service with the US Navy, deployed on the horizon by US Navy battleships.

In practice, the N. 28 is more maneuverable than the SPAD. XIII series, but becomes vulnerable in the midst of harsh combat.

The upper wing elements were particularly prone to stripping their fabric in a dive a fundamental defensive maneuver used by pilots throughout the war, and the increase in speed proved the difference between life and death in many confrontations. Still, the Americans do with what they get, and the kill rate is pretty good.

The performance of the Gnome 9N Rotary combined with the light and streamlined shape of the body enables a top speed of 125 mph and a range of 180 miles. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 17,400 feet and a climb rate of 11.5 minutes to 9,840 feet.

Towards the end of the war, the US Army wanted to purchase 600 improved Nieuport 28 models, the Nieuport 28A (N.28A). These aircraft were originally designed for the USAF's advanced training efforts, but will need to be operationally capable to add to the required inventory when needed. The aircraft was equipped with mounts for American Marlin machine guns and received an upgraded wing and fuel system. Production of this type originated in Liore et Olivier, but due to the end of the war, a total of 600 were expected, but only 170 N.28As were brought.

Spare parts for more than 100 aircraft are also part of the final drive.

The Nieuport 28 was one of the most prestigious fighters of the postwar period. Some governmentsArgentina, Greece, Guatemala and Switzerlandretain small collections in front-line services, while others become museum exhibits and Hollywood props.

Surprisingly, the last Nieuport 28 in operation was decommissioned in 1930.

Specification

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Production

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Performance

Performance

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Changes