The Nieuport 28 was not a very successful fighter when it first flew in 1917. However it became the first operational aeroplane flown by United States forces when they joined World War I in early 1918.

The need for greater engine power led Nieuport to develop this new fighter in 1917 but it was not a success and did not enter service with French forces.

However they were the only fighters available to the American Expeditionary Force when it arrived in Europe. The Americans flew then in combat between April and July 1918 when they were placed by SPADs.

They were then used as trainers and many were taken back to the US after the war. A handful were used by the US Navy in experiments that led to the development of aircraft carriers.

This model represents one of the 12 Nieuport 28’s flown by the US Navy c.1920.

Revell 1/72 kit with miscellaneous decals. Completed in November 2004.