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Yes
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No
About the interest of WW1 planes in War Thunder
Although it’s quite obvious that the performances of WW1 aircrafts are completely inadequate even for reserve air battles, I believe it could fit in the game as its own separate game mode, much like helicopters. Beyond that, the recent reveal of WW1 aircraft in the spin-off game Aces of Thunder shows that it’s not that far-fetched to bridge the gap between both games. So I certainly think these aircrafts are fair game.
About this aircraft and its interest in War Thunder
The Nieuport 28 may have only seen the end of WW1, it still left a mark in history as the fighter that equipped the first American squadrons during the war. Beyond that, its performances, though flawed, were perfectly adequate for the battlefield, and a few aces did wonders in it. It’s a must have for any game with WW1 fighters.
History
Following the success of the Nieuport 17 aircraft, which saw combat all over Europe in the hands of French, British, Russian and American pilots, the Nieuport society realized that the technology was improving at a quick pace, and the air frame could not withstand any more improvement. Which is why, using the features of SPAD’s brand new aircraft, the SPAD XIII, they designed their own new fighter : The Nieuport 28. Featuring a larger lower wing, and a pair of machineguns positioned left of the engine, its performances were superior to the Nieuport 17 in every way, but inferior to that of the SPAD XIII, which quickly became the workhorse of the entire French army, and would soon equip almost the entire world. Thus, it was decided that the Nieuport 28 built would ultimately be given to the American squadrons early 1918.
It quickly proved its worth in combat at the hand of the most capable American pilots like Douglas Campbell and Eddy Rickenbacker. Its good climb speed and maneuverability was however hampered by structural weaknesses in the wings that tended to rip, especially in dives. President Theodore Roosevelt’s son, Quentin, met his end in one of those planes. After the war, the plane became quickly obsolete, and although it was used quite a lot in the US and went on to have a great story there, it was quickly replaced by more advanced design by the early 20’s. Switzerland also acquired a few of these aircrafts and used it until the 1930’s.
General Characteristics :
Empty Weight: 436 KG
Take-off Weight: 698 kg
Wingspan: 8.160m
Length: 6.4m
Height: 2.5m
Wing Area: 24.75m2
Engine: Gnome 9N –(160hp)
Maximum Speed: 203 km/h (sea level)
Service Ceiling: 5800 m
Endurance: 1h10min (max 125l fuel capacity)**
Armament :
2 x 7.7mm Vickers mk.1 - 250 rpg
Complementary informations and images
Eddy Rickenbacker in front of his aircraft :
Quentin Roosevelt’s Nieuport 28 :
Video of the only fully restored Nieuport 28 today :
Sources :
- HAMADY Theodore, Nieuport 28, America’s first fighter
- 1918 Nieuport 28 - The American Heritage Museum
- Nieuport 28