Nieuport
NiD 29
The Nieuport‑Delage NiD 29 was a French single‑seat biplane fighter that entered service just after World War I. Designed by the Nieuport design bureau under the direction of Charles de Lambert, it first flew in October 1918 and was introduced to the French Armée de l'Air in 1919. The aircraft featured a conventional wooden frame, fabric‑covered wings, and a streamlined, rounded fuselage. Power was supplied by a 300 hp Hispano‑Suiza 8Fb V‑8 engine driving a two‑bladed propeller, giving a top speed of roughly 200 km/h (124 mph) and a service ceiling near 7 500 m. Its armament consisted of two synchronized Vickers machine guns, a standard for the era. The NiD 29 quickly became the backbone of French fighter units, equipping more than 400 aircraft and seeing export to several countries, including Belgium, Poland and Greece. Its stability and ease of handling made it an effective trainer as newer types replaced it in frontline service. Later variants like the NiD 29B added a more powerful engine, extending service into the early 1930s. The aircraft’s widespread use helped standardise post‑war fighter tactics and contributed to the development of interwar aviation doctrine, cementing Nieuport’s reputation as a leading aircraft manufacturer.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1918