The Ultimate SPAD S.XIII - American History Information Guide and Reference

Maximum speed: 224 km/h (139 mph)
Range: km ( miles)
Service ceiling: 6,650 m (21,815 ft)
Rate of climb: 117 m/min (384 ft/min)
Wing loading: kg/m&sup2; (lb/ft&sup2;)
Power/Mass: kW/kg ( hp/lb)

(Redirected from SPAD XIII)

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, however its manoeuvrability was inferior, especially at low speeds. A high glide angle made it a difficult aircraft for novice pilots to land safely.

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 USAAC were still in service in 1920. It was also exported to Japan, Poland and Czechoslovakia after the war.

Contents

1 Specifications (SPAD S.XIII)

1.1 General Characteristics
1.2 Performance
1.3 Armament

2 Related content