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SPAD S.XIII
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 flying ace, Georges Guynemer to lobby for an improved version. SPAD designer Louis Bechereau initially produced 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 and other refinements, including larger wings and rudder, a more powerful Hispano-Suiza engine, and a second Vickers .303-cal. machine gun for added firepower. All these improvements led to greater increases in flight and combat performance. It was faster than its main contemporaries, the British Sopwith Camel and the German Fokker D.VII, and was renowned for its ruggedness and diving ability. However, its manoeuvrability was inferior, especially at low speeds. Poor gliding characteristics and a very sharp stall made it a difficult aircraft for novice pilots to land safely.
