| Dolphin | Despite had a number of early problems, the Dolphin eventually proved successful and generally popular with pilots. The aircraft was fast, maneuverable, and easy to fly, though a sharp stall was noted. When functioning properly, the Hispano-Suiza afforded the Dolphin excellent performance at high altitude. Accordingly, the Dolphin was often deployed against German reconnaissance aircraft such as the Rumpler C.VII, which routinely operated at altitudes above 20,000 ft. No. 87 Squadron explored the use of equipment to supply pilots with oxygen at high altitude, but the experiment was abandoned after trials showed that the oxygen tanks exploded when struck by gunfire
The highest-scoring Dolphin unit was No. 87 Squadron, which shot down 89 enemy aircraft in the type. Pilots of No. 79 Squadron shot down 64 enemy aircraft in the eight and one half months that the aircraft was at the front The top two Dolphin aces served in No. 79 Squadron. Captain Francis W. Gillet, an American, scored 20 victories in the type Lieutenant Ronald Bannerman, a New Zealander, scored 17 victories. The third-ranking Dolphin ace was Captain Arthur Vigers of No. 87 Squadron, who attained all 14 of his victories while flying the same aircraft .] Another notable ace, Major Albert Desbrisay Carter of No. 19 Squadron, obtained approximately 13 of his 29 confirmed victories in the Dolphin. Captain Henry Biziou scored eight victories in the type.
Four Royal Air Force squadrons operated the Dolphin as their primary equipment, while other squadrons used it in small numbers. No. 1 (Fighter) Squadron, a Canadian Air Force unit, formed with Dolphins at RAF Upper Heyford.[23] The unit became operational shortly after the Armistice
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