First flown in May 1917 the Dolphin fighter was an innovative design. The pilot sat with his head above the top wing, affording an excellent view, but he could not see the nose of his own aircraft and use it as a reference. Armament was no less than four machine guns, of which two fired upwards, as seen here; the latter were often removed, however. The Dolphin did well in combat, but its Hispano-Suiza engine was unreliable and troublesome, and the type was quickly retired after the end of WWI.

This photo is copyright © Peter de Jong, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

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