How America’s oldest flying fighter took to the skies again

The Nieuport 28C-1 was the first fighter aircraft used in anger by a US military aviation unit. Now, following a magnificent restoration, an original example of this potent machine is flying again

Mikael Carlson flying the Collings Foundation’s newly restored Nieuport 28C-1, registered SE-BMA for testing purposes in Sweden.
Mikael Carlson flying the Collings Foundation’s newly restored Nieuport 28C-1, registered SE-BMA for testing purposes in Sweden. DANIEL KARLSSON

Since building his Tummelisa more than 30 years ago, Swedish aviator Mikael Carlson has continued to tackle some of the most exciting types from the early history of flight, always with the same principle. They must be restored or re-created completely according to the original, powered by an original engine, and piloted in the same way as they were in period.

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