Designed by Gustave Delage in 1914, the Nieuport 11 biplane was affectionately known as the "Bébé" (Baby).

The aircraft was originally designed for racing, and as such it was light, fast and extremely maneuverable. Its only major problem was in the design of the wing struts. In a steep dive, the struts allowed the wings to twist, sometimes with disastrous results.

The type was used by the British and French to counter the Fokker E.III 'Eindecker' scourge in 1916, but the Nieuport 11 was at a disadvantage as it had no interupter gear that would allow the aircraft's gun to fire through the propellor arc. Instead the pilot had to utilise the gun mounted on the top wing.

It remained in service on the Western Front until 1916 and in Italy until mid 1917.



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