Having an urgent need for new fighter aircraft the Belgian authorities ordered thirty Ponnier M.1's, although this machine was
rejected by the French Armée de l'Air for being too dangerous to fly.
Most Belgian pilots also refused to fly the Ponnier (of which only ten were delivered) and it was quickly withdrawn from use.
Pilot Abel De Neef in front of a nose-art decorated Ponnier M.1 at Ten Bogaerde (Koksijde) airfield.
Pilot Abel De Neef ready for a flight in Ponnier M.1 "Le Vampire"
Crash of an unidentified Ponnier M.1 fighter at Lampernisse on 15 September 1916.
Famous instructor pilot Honoré Duplus is posing in front of a Ponnier M.1
Daniel Brackx Collection
S/Lt. Pierre "Bambino" Braun in front of a Ponnier M.1
An Aviation Militaire Belge Ponnier M.1 at Ten Bogaerde airfield
Last updated 02/08/12 08:15 Daniel Brackx