Nieuport 17
Captured and Copied by the Enemy
The Nieuport 17 was another classic fighter of the First World War. Produced by the French firm the Société Anonyme des Établissement Nieuport, the plane reached the French front in 1916. Six Royal Flying Corps squadrons and eight Royal Naval Air Service squadrons used the Nieuport 17—the most famous of the Nieuport designs.
This model of the “sesquiplane” featured different sized wings to combine a monoplane’s drag with the stability of a biplane. A more powerful 110 horsepower Le Rhône rotary engine gave the Nieuport 17 excellent manoeuvrability and a faster climbing rate. The inclusion of innovative Alkan-Hamy synchronization gear permitted a Vickers gun mounted on the fuselage to fire through the Nieuport’s propeller arc.
Superior to many other warplanes, Nieuport 17s were adopted by the Dutch, Belgian, Russian, and Italian air forces. Germany was so impressed with the Nieuport 17, they captured one and built their own model. It was a favourite of many Canadian aces, including Arthur Roy Brown and Billy Bishop, the latter of whom was awarded a Victoria Cross for outstanding service while flying the plane.
“On the edge of destiny, you must test your strength”
Captain Billy Bishop with his Nieuport 17, 60 Squadron RFC, France 1918
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the RCAF Foundation for granting permission to feature imagery and stories that help preserve and share the legacy of Canada’s aviation and defence community. Discover the full story through the RCAF Foundation’s newest book Pathways To The Stars – 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force: Link Here
Banner image: 12 Wing Shearwater personnel, 423 Maritime Helicopter, and 12 Air Maintenance Squadron commemorate the Sea King’s 50th anniversary.
Images provided by: RCAF Foundation