The Nieuport Ni-17C.1 was a French World War I fighter aircraft that built upon the success of its predecessor, the Ni-11 “Bébé.” Introduced in early 1916, the Ni-17 was a sesquiplane — a biplane with a smaller lower wing — which contributed to its excellent maneuverability. The aircraft quickly earned a reputation among Allied pilots for its agility, speed, and superior climb rate.
Powered by a Le Rhône rotary engine and armed with a synchronized Vickers machine gun or a Lewis gun mounted above the wing, the Ni-17 gave Allied air forces a much-needed advantage in dogfights against German aircraft like the Fokker Eindecker. It was flown by several famed aces, including Charles Nungesser and Albert Ball.
Though it began to show limitations by late 1916 against newer German designs, the Ni-17 was widely produced and exported to multiple Allied nations. Its contributions during the mid-war period helped to shift the air superiority balance in favor of the Allies.
NI-17C.1 NOTES
A highly maneuverable French fighter from WWI, the Nieuport 17 combined lightweight construction with deadly agility, setting the standard for Allied air superiority in 1916.
PRODUCTION
• Number Built: Approx. 1,000
• Year Produced: 1916–1917
• Serial Number: Ni17-1916-047 (Example)
MEASUREMENTS
• Length: 18 ft. 10 in.
• Wingspan: 26 ft. 11 in.
• Empty Weight: 827 lbs.
• Loaded Weight: 1,234 lbs.
• Engine: Le Rhône 9J rotary / 110 hp
PERFORMANCE
• Cruising Speed: 87 mph
• Max Speed: 110 mph
• Range: 155 miles
• Ceiling: 17,390 ft
• Rate of Climb: 5.9 min to 6,560 ft
ARMAMENT
• One synchronized 7.7 mm Vickers machine gun or
• One 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun mounted above the wing
