Although painted as N556, this is actually N976. In the spring of 1914, Gustave Delage designed a small (baptized "Bébé" Nieuport because of its size) single-seat biplane to take part in the Gordon-Bennett Cup. From this humble beginning, a combat aircraft emerged in Autumn 1915 with great agility and manoeuvrability, due in large part because the lower wing is slightly smaller than the upper wing. This example is on display in the colours of Commander Charles de Tricornot de Rose, an air combat pioneer who grouped these new fighters into dedicated units, so they could operate together more effectively.

This aircraft is seen in the Musée de l'Air. The type first flew in 1915 and over 7000 were built. Bébé (Baby) was the unofficial name due to its small size.

This aircraft is seen in the Musée de l'Air. The type first flew in 1915 and over 7000 were built. Bébé (Baby) was the unofficial name due to its small size.

An important WWI fighter, the Nie 11 Bébé is virtually an ultralight by modern standards, with a take-off weight of just 500 kg (1100 lbs). Although painted as N556, this is actually N976.