SPAD S.XIII
During early 1917, the French designer Louis Béchereau, having observed the earlier S.VII having been rendered obsolete by rapid advances in the field of aviation and having been impressed by promises of a powerful new geared version of the successful Hispano-Suiza 8A engine, decided to launch the development of two new fighter aircraft, the S.XII and S.XIII. The S.XII was soon overshadowed by the S.XIII and it soon proved itself to be one of the most capable fighters of the war, as well as one of the most-produced, with 8,472 built and orders for around 10,000 more canceled at the Armistice.
By the end of the First World War, the S.XIII had equipped virtually every fighter squadron of the Aéronautique Militaire in existence. In addition to its prevalent use by the Aéronautique Militaire, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and United States Army Air Service also procured the type in bulk during the conflict. It proved to be popular amongst pilots and numerous aces from various nations flew the S.XIII during their flying careers, often scoring many of their victories in one. Following the signing of the Armistice of 11 November 1918, which effectively marked the end of the First World War, surplus S.XIIIs were sold in great numbers to both civil and military operators throughout the world.
The SPAD S.XIII specifications as follows;
Wingspan 27'The Kit
An in box review can be found here and a build review here.
Back to the WWI page