05/31/2011. The Bre 17 two-seat fighter was a both more powerful and more compact deviate of the classic Bre 14 bomber, and resembled the latter in both structure and appearance. Powered by a 420 hp Renault 12K twelve-cylinder water-cooled V-engine, the Bre 17 prototype was a two-bay biplane and it appeared in the summer of 1918.

Armament comprised two fixed forward-firing 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Vickers guns and twin Lewis guns of the same caliber on a T.O.3 mount for the observer. Provision for an additional Lewis gun was made, this to fire downwards and rearwards through a trap in the fuselage floor.

Official trials resulted in a request for modifications, new wings increased span and a 450 hp Renault 12K1 engine being fitted, the modified aircraft was designated Bre 17 C2. The Société Anonyme des Ateliers d’Aviation Louis Breguet at Vélizy-Chaville, Seine et Oise, France undertook limited production and delivered some 100 aircraft of the Bre 17 C2 between 1919 and 1922.

The new wings had an unusual planform with massive horn-balanced upper-wing ailerons of reduced chord and revised fin/rudder shape; armament was unchanged. The Bre 17 C2 remained in service until the mid-1920s. View also photo 8042.

Span: 46 ft 10.2 in (14,28 m)
Length: 26 ft 6.9 in (8.10 m)
Height: 11 ft 2.65 in (3.42 m)
Wing area: 487.61 sq.ft (45.30 sq.m)
Loaded weight: 4,057 lb (1,840 kg)
Max speed: 135 mph (218 kmh) at 6,562 ft (2,000 m)
Climb: to 6,562 ft (2,000 m) 5 min 45 sec
Service ceiling: 24,606 ft (7,500 m)