The story
France picked the SPAD XIII for its own squadrons, and while American SPADs waited on engines the US Army took the slim Nieuport 28 instead. The 94th, 95th, 27th and 147th Aero Squadrons flew it in combat from March to August 1918, and Eddie Rickenbacker began his combat career in one. It was the first production Nieuport fighter with conventional two-spar wings, but in a hard pull-out the upper wing's leading edge could tear away and take the fabric with it. Surplus Nieuport 28s later flew in Hollywood films. One original returned to the air in 2022 with the American Heritage Museum in Massachusetts and went back to Sweden for repair after a landing accident in September 2023. The Nieuport 28s flying in the US today are full-size reproductions, many built from kits.
On 14 April 1918, Lieutenants Alan Winslow and Douglas Campbell of the 94th Aero Squadron each shot down a German aircraft over their own airfield in Nieuport 28s. Campbell became the first American-trained ace.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Nieuport 28?
A long, very slim fuselage, so narrow that the twin Vickers guns sit offset to the left of the cockpit, a round rotary cowling, and two full-size wings. Usually in US Air Service roundels and red, white and blue rudder stripes.
What does a Nieuport 28 sound like?
The original's Gnome Monosoupape rotary spun with the propeller, a busy, uneven buzz; most reproductions fly on small radial or flat-four engines and sound like a light aircraft.
How fast is the Nieuport 28?
Top speed is 106 kts.
How many people does the Nieuport 28 carry?
Typical configuration: Single pilot.
How big is the Nieuport 28?
It is 20 ft 4 in long and 26 ft 3 in across the wings.
When did the Nieuport 28 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1917.
How many Nieuport 28s have been built?
~300 built.
How rare is a Nieuport 28 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first Nieuport 28 catch is worth 250 points.
