HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
The
Nieuport series fighters became a serious factor in aerial combat with the introduction
of Gustave Delage's Nieuport 11. The small lightweight aircraft countered the
Fokker Eindecker's forward firing fuselage mounted machine gun with superior agility.
In an attempt to increase speed, the airframe was fitted with a larger 110 HP
Le Rhone replacing the old 80 HP Le Rhone. The new configuration was designated
the Nieuport 16 . The N16 did not fair well as the airframe was not up to the
demands of the larger power plant. Delage went back to the drawing board and increased
the wing span and wing area as well as adding other improvements. The new design
was designated the Nieuport 17 and it was a smashing success. The type was made
in large numbers by several French manufacturers and was licensed to Italian and
Russian manufacturers. It was in service with the French, British, Belgian and
Russian air forces.
One
of the distinguishing characteristics of the Nieuport 17 that is not often modeled
is the tapered fuselage from top to bottom. Most models have simple vertical sides.
I found out why they do this in my design process. It is a complex matter to get
that taper and it took me many hours before I was satisfied with the fuselage.
Another
unusual feature is that the fuselage is not symmetrical. The side fairings bulge
out more on the left side of the aircraft. This was due to an ammo cannister.
Again, this feature is not often modeled. I however, took the extra step and it
is in my design.