The SPAD S.XIII was designed as an improved version of the SPAD S.VII. While appearing externally similar to its predecessor, it was in fact a completely new design. A second machine gun and more a powerful engine were fitted. In addition, an auxiliary fuel tank was placed in the central section of the upper wing. The main fuel tank had outlines of the lower fuselage section. To the left and behind the cockpit was an installation for a reconnaissance camera or a bomb load. The aircraft’s first flight was made on the 4th of April 1917. The plane was manufactured by Bleriot, Levasseur, Bernard, Kellner, Safca, Borel, and Nieuport. In all, 8472 planes of the type were built.
The S.XIII first appeared at the front in late summer-early fall 1917, being initially supplied to French fighter squadrons. It was mainly used for engaging enemy planes, escorting bombers, aerial mapping, and recon; rarely was it used for the bombing of ground targets near the front lines.
French pilots were eager to receive the S.XIII. The second machine gun provided increased firepower, and the new engine allowed it to fly and climb faster than its predecessors. Its controls remained effective even at high altitudes. The only remaining drawback, owing to its thin wing profile, was its decreased sensitivity of controls at low speeds, which often resulted in a stall. In a dive and level flight, the SPAD S.XIII was one of the fastest aircraft of its time. Pilots who flew it remarked, “It dives faster than the wind!” It participated in battles on all fronts during WWI. French, British, American and Italian units were all equipped with the type.
Engine
V8 Hispano—Suiza 8Ba 220 hp
Dimensions
Height: 2600 mm
Length: 6250 mm
Wing span: 8080 mm
Wing surface: 20,2 sq.m
Weight
Empty: 565 kg
Takeoff: 820 kg
Fuel capacity: 113,5 l
Oil capacity: 17 l
Maximum airspeed (IAS)
sea level — 219 km/h
1000 m — 206 km/h
2000 m — 193 km/h
3000 m — 180 km/h
4000 m — 166 km/h
5000 m — 152 km/h
6000 m — 137 km/h
7000 m — 119 km/h
Climb rate
1000 m — 2 min. 32 sec.
2000 m — 5 min. 10 sec.
3000 m — 8 min. 24 sec.
4000 m — 12 min. 30 sec.
5000 m — 18 min. 01 sec.
6000 m — 26 min. 24 sec.
7000 m — 44 min. 24 sec.
Service ceiling 7000 m
Endurance at 1000m
nominal power (combat) — 1 h. 30 min.
minimal consumption (cruise) — 3 h.
Armament
Forward firing: 2хVickers Mk.I 7.69mm, 400 rounds per barrel.
Bomb load: 18 kg.
References
- SPAD XIII C.I, J M Bruce Windsock Datafile 32.
- Profile Publications. The SPAD XIII. C.I
- Performance of American Corp. SPAD XIII AIRFRAME DATA.
- Performance (Report No.5). Aeronautiqe Militare Ministre de la Guerre, 1917.
Le-Chretien
Le-Chretien Refractor-type Collimator Sight
Additional mass: 1 kg
Camera
Camera for taking aerial photographs
Additional mass: 10 kg
Cockpit light
Cockpit illumination lamp for night sorties
Additional mass: 1 kg
Cooper bombs
2 x 11 kg (24 lb) Cooper General Purpose Bombs
Additional mass: 22 kg
Ammunition mass: 22 kg
Racks mass: 0 kg
Estimated speed loss before drop: 0 km/h
Estimated speed loss after drop: 0 km/h
Aldis
Aldis Refractor-type Collimator Sight (imported from Britain)
Additional mass: 2 kg
Balloon guns
Twin Vickers "Balloon" guns
Ammo: 400 of 11.43mm rounds
Projectile weight: 17,5 g
Muzzle velocity: 610 m/s
Guns weight: 26 kg
Ammo weight: 32 kg
Rate of fire: 600 rpm
Total additional weight of weapon modification: 58 kg