W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

WIBAULT WIB 1 France

   Initially known simply as the WIB C1 (Avion monoplace de chasse) and later as the WIB 1 C1, the first design of Michel Wibault was a single-bay slightly staggered biplane built by Niepce et Fetterer at Boulogne-Billancourt. Of all-metal construction with fabric-covered wings and a fuselage covered by detachable light alloy panels forward and fabric aft, the Wibault fighter was powered by a 220 hp Hispano-Suiza 8B eight-cylinder water-cooled engine and armed with twin synchronised 7,7-mm Vickers machine guns. By contemporary standards, the engine installation of the WIB 1 was aerodynamically very clean, with the cowling fairing neatly into a large propeller spinner and shallow radiators mounted on each side beneath the lower wing. Short, broad-chord ailerons were carried by the lower wing only. The prototype was completed at the end of October 1918, and was flown for the first time shortly afterwards at Villacoublay. The combination of modest weight and aerodynamic cleanliness resulted in very good performance despite a relatively low powered engine during its official evaluation on 12 February 1919. The WIB 1 proved slightly faster than the more powerful Nieuport 29 with which it was in competition for an Aviation Militaire contract. In the event, however, the Nieuport was selected for production because of its faster climb and lighter controls, and further work on the Wibault fighter was discontinued.

Max speed, 147 mph (237 km/h) at sea level, 128 mph (206 km/h) at 16,405 ft (5 000 m).
Service ceiling, 22,965 ft (7000 m).
Loaded weight, 1,975 lb (896 kg).
Span, 25 ft 7 in (7,80 m).
Length, 20 ft 8 in (6,30 m).
Height, 7 ft 10 1/2 in (2,40 m).
Wing area, 235.2 sq ft (21,85 m2).