World War I: SPAD S.VII

Designed by Louis Béchereau, the SPAD S.VII (right) represented Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés' answer to a call from the French Aéronautique Militaire for a single-seat fighter that utilized the new Hispano-Suiza 8A engine. Flying for the first time in April 1916, the SPAD S.VII proved capable of high speeds, with great diving performance. Impressed, the French immediately ordered 268 aircraft that May. Entering service later that year, the aircraft experienced several developmental problems and did not appear in large numbers until early 1917. Known as a rugged, sturdy gun platform, the aircraft was liked by its pilots and also saw service with the Royal Flying Corps and US Army Air Service. Though not as maneuverable as the Nieuport fighters, the SPAD made up for this deficiency with a higher speed and greater durability. Refined over time, the S.VII was gradually replaced by the improved, more-powerful SPAD S.XIII in mid-1917.

Photograph Courtesy of the US Air Force