Known as the “Hat-In-The-Ring” Squadron, the 94th Fighter Squadron is one of America’s oldest units in the US Air Force and was deployed to France during World War I as part of the 1st Pursuit Group, First United States Army. at the time, the United States Army Air Service did not have suitable fighters to equip its pursuit (fighter) squadrons. Aircraft were thus provided by the French military.
The SPAD XIII was entering service with the French Armée de l'Air as the top fighter. This aircraft was in short supply however, due to engine shortages so it was not available to the American squadrons. Instead, they were equipped with the Nieuport 28. Having been rejected in favor of the SPADD XIII, the Nieuport 28 was considered surplus.
The Nieuport 28 featured a Gnome 9N 160 HP Monosoupape rotary engine and twin Vicckers machine gun armament, The aircraft was highly maneuverable and fast with a top speed of 122 MPH. A total of 297 Nieuport 28s were purchased by the Americans.
Although the aircraft provided good performance there were some teething problems with landing gear failures and some issues with the gnome engines. A more serious problem developed with the plywood leading edge of the top wing which could break away, taking the fabric with it during a sharp pull out from a steep dive. Nonetheless, the Nieuport 28 proved a worthy foe in aerial combat.
The Nieuport 28 was phased out of frontline service as the SPAD XIII became available in July and August of 1918. Nieuport 28s went on to enjoy a long career after the war in military, commercial and private service.
This artwork is a depiction of one of the machines which Eddie Rickenbacker flew during May of 1918.