SPAD S.XIII
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The SPAD S.XIII was a French biplane fighter aircraft of World War I, developed by Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés from the earlier highly successful SPAD S.VII. It was one of the most capable fighters of the war, and one of the most-produced, with 8,472 built and orders for around 10,000 more cancelled at the Armistice.
The S.VII had entered service in September of 1916 but by early 1917 it had been surpassed by the latest German scouts, leading French ace, Georges Guynemer, to lobby for an improved version. SPAD designer Louis Béchereau produced first the S.XII, which had limited success, and finally the S.XIII.
The S.XIII differed from its predecessor by incorporating a number of aerodynamic refinements, larger wings and rudder, and a more powerful Hispano-Suiza engine, all leading to a great increase in performance. It was faster than its main contemporaries; the Sopwith Camel and Fokker D.VII, and renowned for its ruggedness and diving ability, however its manoeuvrability was inferior, especially at low speeds. Poor gliding characteristics and a very sharp stall made it a difficult aircraft for novice pilots to land safely.
The S.XIII was flown by American fighter ace Eddie Rickenbacker who, at the end of WWI, was accredited with 26 confirmed victories.
It first flew on April 4 1917 and the following month was already being delivered to French Army air units. Other Allied forces were quick to adopt the new fighter as well, and nearly half of the 893 purchased for the United States Army Air Service were still in service in 1920. It was also exported to Japan, Poland and Czechoslovakia after the war.
Specifications (SPAD S.XIII)
Operators
- Argentina (two aircraft), Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovkia, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia, Siam (Thailand), Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay,
Related content
| Aviation in World War I |
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| Aces | Aircraft of the Entente Powers | Aircraft of the Central Powers | Zeppelins | |
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