History

During World War I, American pilots flew this plane for the French. They were first known as Escadrille Ameraine, which means "Squadron American" The group began to attract world-wide attention and other Americans became interested in flying for France. More than 250 Americans were recruited and trained by France to fly. Since  the US was not in the war yet, they were refered to as Escadrille Lafayette, after Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette helped the Americans in the Revolutionary War. It was first used by Lafayett Escadrille April 20, 1916.

Specs

Top span: 21' 11" bottom span:  20" 2" length, 16' height, 7' weight, 345 lbs, Engine Rotex 337- rated at 40 hp. Probable top speed about 50mph. The gun is a 
Lewis .303 machine gun. Siemens-Schuckert D-1 was the German copy.