Ponnier M.1
Avions Ponnier · France · first flew 1915 · fighter
The Ponnier M.1 was an early French First World War single-seat fighter. Most of those produced were operated by the Belgian Aviation Militaire.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 5.75 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-bay biplane with mild stagger and a smaller lower wing
- Le Rhône rotary engine behind an unusually large domed spinner
- Lewis gun mounted well above the upper wing
The open cockpit sat at the wing trailing edge, with cut-outs in both wings to improve the pilot's view. The 80 hp Le Rhône 9C was nearly enclosed by its cowling.
Specifications
- The Ponnier M.1 has a length of 5.75 m (19 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.18 m (20 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 167 km/h (104 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was supposedly designed by Emile Dupont and showed similarities to the 1913 Ponnier L.1 scout. It made its first flight in 1915.
Variants
The M.2 was a slightly larger two-seat version offered to the RFC, probably not built. Later M.1 aircraft had an enlarged tailplane, fin and rudder.
Where you'll see it
At least twenty were produced, and the Belgians bought more than eighteen. The Belgian ace Willy Coppens found them ineffective, and they were rapidly discarded.
Related aircraft
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