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Info Eduard - August 2011
BUILT
eduard
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Info Eduard - August 2011
The French SPAD S.XIII evolved as a deve-
lopment of the successful S.VII. With the use
of the more powerful Hispano-Suiza HS 8Be,
developing 220hp (162kW), and later the
HS 8BEe at 235hp (173kW), the main dra-
wback of inadequate single-gun armament
could be addressed. The S.XIII received
two Vickers machine guns with 400 rpg.
Chief designer of the SPAD, Louis Bechere-
au, enlarged the airframe slightly, and also,
generally strengthened it. The rst prototype
took to the air on April 4th, 1917 with Rene
Dorme at the controls. Due to the heavier
nature of the aircraft, some maneuverability
was lost, but climb rate was improved upon,
and the maximum speed rose to 215 km/h.
The initial series of the SPAD had rounded
wing tips, but these quickly reverted to those
used on the S.VII.
Performance of the new ghter was such
that a large-quantity contract was immedia-
tely awarded. Nine manufacturers ultimately
took part in production: SPAD, A.C.M.,
Bernard, Bleriot, Borel, Kellner,
Levasseur, Nieuport, and
SAFCA. Besides
Sergent Fernand Chavannes,
Escadrille SPA.112, August, 1918
the French air force, the SPAD S.XIII also
saw service with the air forces of Great
Britain, the USA, Italy, Belgium, and after
the end of the First World War, Poland and
Czechoslovakia.
Fernand Henri Chavannes was born on
April 16th, 1897. He served with N.112,
and later with SPA.112, when the unit tran-
sitioned from Nieuports to SPADs and was
accordingly redesignated. Between Fe-
bruary 8th, 1918, and August 22, 1918,
he accumulated seven aerial victories.
He nished the war as Sous Lieutenant with
SPA.176. He lived to be 88, and died on
October 5th, 1985 in Paris. During manu-
facture, SPAD S. XIIIs received a ve-co-
lor camouage scheme made up of beige,
dark brown, light green, dark green and
black. Although this scheme was ofcially
prescribed, there were variations depen-
ding on manufacturer.
SPAD XIII
SPAD XIII
1/481/48
Built by Lubos Zach.