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.
This reproduction was rebuilt by museum personnel. It contains wood and hardware from an original Nieuport 28. The aircraft is painted and marked to represent a Nieuport of the 95th Aero Squadron, Third Flight, as it appeared in July 1918. It was placed on display in May 1994.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Two Vickers .303-cal. machine guns
Engine: Gnome N-9 rotary of 160 hp
Maximum speed: 122 mph
Range: 180 miles
Ceiling: 17,000 ft.
Span: 26 ft. 3 in.
Length: 24 ft. 4 in.
Height: 8 ft.
Weight: 1,625 lbs. loaded
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