|
|
|
|
|
Spad S.xiiiThe SPAD S.XIII was a French biplane fighter aircraft of World War I, developed by Socit Pour L'Aviation et ses Drivs 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 Bchereau 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. Specifications (SPAD S.XIII) General Characteristics - Crew: one, pilot
- Length: 6.30 m (20 ft 8 in)
- Wingspan: 8.10 m (26 ft 7 in)
- Height: 2.35 m (7 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 21.1 m² (227 ft²)
- Empty: 566 kg (1,245 lb)
- Loaded: kg ( lb)
- Maximum takeoff: 845 kg (1,863 lb)
- Powerplant: 1x Hispano-Suiza 8Be, 164 kW (220 hp)
Performance - 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/m² (lb/ft²)
- Power/Mass: kW/kg ( hp/lb)
Armament Related content Related development: S.VII - S.XI - S.XII - S.XVII - S.XXI Comparable aircraft: Fokker D.VII Designation sequence: S.IX - S.XI - S.XII - S.XIII - S.XIV - S.XV - S.XVII S
|
 |
|
| Copyright 2005-2009 OnPedia.com. All Rights Reserved |
|
|