Nieuport 12
Nieuport · France · first flew 1915 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Nieuport 12 was a French two-seat sesquiplane used for reconnaissance and fighter duties in the early stages of World War I, notable for the characteristic Nieuport 'V-strut' sesquiplane layout with a very narrow lower wing.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.3 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI sesquiplane — very narrow lower wing
- Two-seat reconnaissance and fighter biplane, 1915
- Observer with Lewis gun on upper wing
The sesquiplane configuration — a full-span upper wing paired with a much narrower lower wing — and the characteristic V-shaped interplane struts are the defining Nieuport features. The 12 is larger than the 11 Scout and carries two occupants in tandem.
Specifications
- The Nieuport 12 has a length of 7.3 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.1 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 156 km/h (97 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in 1915, the Nieuport 12 was operated by France, Britain, Russia, and Belgium. It was used extensively for reconnaissance and as an escort fighter until better-performing designs superseded it by 1917.
Variants
The Nieuport 12 was produced in small variations for different operators; some were fitted with Lewis guns on the upper wing in an early attempt at aerial fighting capability.
Where you'll see it
France, the RFC, the RNAS, and Russia all operated the Nieuport 12 in 1915-1916. The type also served with the American Expeditionary Forces in a training role.
Related aircraft
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