PONNIER M.1

The Ponnier M.1 was a French WW1 fighter plane built in the classic solid landing gear biplane layout. A prototype flight took place in 1915, and the machine entered the line a year later. The drive was provided by a single engine Le Rhone 9C with 80 HP . The machine was 5.75 meters long with a wingspan of 6.18 meters. The deck armament consisted of a single 7.7mm Lewis machine gun. Ponnier M.1 was developed by Emile Eugene Dupont, based on the L.1 reconnaissance aircraft. Compared to its protoplast, it had a different engine and a different length and wingspan. He also received on-board weapons. The machine, however, was not very successful. First of all, it was relatively difficult to pilot and had on-board weapons not synchronized with the engine, which made its use difficult. For this reason, it was acquired in small quantities by the French and Belgian air forces. However, during the service it was quickly confirmed that the Ponnier M.1 is an ineffective air combat tool and is inferior to German rivals. For this reason, as early as 1916, these planes began to be withdrawn from the line.