Nieuport 16
Nieuport · France · first flew 1916 · fighter
The Nieuport 16 was a single-seat French fighter sesquiplane of World War One, a direct development of the Nieuport 11 Bébé with a more powerful 110 hp Le Rhône rotary engine. It served with French and allied air services in 1916, bridging the gap between the Nieuport 11 and the improved Nieuport 17.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.64 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sesquiplane layout — very narrow lower wing on V-struts
- Horseshoe cowling with large circular opening for Le Rhône rotary
- Overwing Lewis gun on Foster mount above upper wing
Distinguished from the Nieuport 11 by the larger 110 hp Le Rhône engine requiring a slightly wider horseshoe cowling, and from the Nieuport 17 by the retention of the earlier narrower lower wing planform. The Foster-mounted overwing Lewis gun is a characteristic fitting.
Specifications
- The Nieuport 16 has a length of 5.64 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.16 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The type entered service in spring 1916 and was used by French, British, Belgian and Russian squadrons. Its distinctive narrow lower wing reduced interference drag but led to structural weakness at high speed. Famous aces including Albert Ball flew the type before transitioning to the superior Nieuport 17.
Variants
Essentially an upengined Nieuport 11; the 16 led directly to the definitive Nieuport 17, which corrected most structural shortcomings.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Aviation Militaire, Royal Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service, and several allied air arms through 1916 into 1917, being progressively replaced by the Nieuport 17 and SPAD VII.
Related aircraft
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