S.p.a.d S.XIII The SPAD S.XIII was one of the most famous French fighter planes during the Great War. Nearly 8,500 SPAD S.XIIIs were produced during the war - more than any other aircraft. Its main asset was excellent climbing performance and speed, which were superior to its British and German counterparts. The aircraft’s rounded fuselage and high aspect ratio wings made it aerodynamically sound. The United States began using the SPAD as its primary fighter after the Nieuport 28 proved unsuitable and nearly half of the 893 purchased were still in service in 1920. The SPAD owned by the Military Aviation Museum is a 7/8th reduced-scale plane powered by a Rotex engine. It was built in Ohio in 2004, and its markings represent the plane flown by Major Charles Biddle, of Pennsylvania, who flew with the Lafayette Flying Corps and Escadrille 73 in France.
Military Aviation Museum
www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org
SPECIFICATIONS: Country of Manufacture: France Manufacturer: Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés Engine: Hispano-Suiza 8Be Horsepower: 220 hp Empty Weight: 1,248 pounds Max Weight: 1,863 pounds Max Speed: 135 mph Ceiling: 21,815 feet Crew: One Armament: 2 x Vickers .303 MGs