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SPAD S.XIII

France's Finest Fighter

By , About.com Guide

SPAD S.XIII in the colors of the US 94th Aero Squadron

Photograph Courtesy of the US Air Force

SPAD S.XIII

  • Nation: France
  • Manufacturer: Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés (SPAD)
  • Designer: Louis Béchéreau
  • Dates of Service: 1917-1918
  • Number Built: 8,472
  • Speed: 135 mph
  • Range: 276 miles
  • Ceiling: 21,815 feet
  • Wingspan: 27 feet, 1 inches
  • Engine: 1× Hispano-Suiza 8Be 8 cylinder vee-type, 164 hp
  • Armament: 2 x .303-cal. (7.7-mm) Vickers machine guns
  • Notes: Faster than most other fighters, the SPAD S.XIII was renown for its ruggedness and diving ability. The aircraft was favored by several aces, including American Eddie Rickenbacker.

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