Time Period: World War I
Country of Origin: France
Type: Biplane, Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: SPAD
SPAD S.VII Aircraft Overview
The SPAD S.VII was a French biplane fighter aircraft that was widely used during World War I. It was designed by the French aircraft designer Louis Béchereau and first flew in April 1916. The SPAD S.VII was known for its robust construction, speed, and maneuverability, which made it a formidable opponent for the German fighters of the time.
The SPAD S.VII was powered by a 150 horsepower Hispano-Suiza engine and had a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). It was armed with a single synchronized Vickers machine gun firing through the propeller arc, which gave it a significant advantage over earlier aircraft with wing-mounted guns.
The SPAD S.VII was used by many Allied air forces during World War I, including the French, British, Italian, Belgian, and American air forces. It was credited with shooting down many enemy aircraft and played a significant role in achieving air superiority on the Western Front.
Overall, the SPAD S.VII was a highly successful aircraft and paved the way for later generations of fighter planes, including the widely popular SPAD S. VIII.
The SPAD S.VII Durig WW1
Powered by a Hispano-Suiza V8 engine, the SPAD S.VII was capable of speeds and climbs superior to many of its contemporaries. While it was not as agile in tight turns as some enemy fighters—like the German Albatros D.III—its strength lay in its speed, durability, and diving ability. It could take punishment and still bring its pilot home, a trait highly valued in the brutal and chaotic dogfights of the time.
The SPAD S.VII quickly earned the trust of France’s top pilots and was also adopted by several Allied nations. It became the aircraft of choice for renowned French ace Georges Guynemer, who scored many of his 54 victories flying it. The aircraft was also used by British, Belgian, Italian, and Russian air forces, as well as by American volunteer squadrons like the Lafayette Escadrille before the U.S. officially entered the war.
By the time more advanced models like the SPAD S.XIII were introduced, the S.VII had already proven its worth as a reliable and formidable fighter. Its success laid the groundwork for the continued dominance of SPAD aircraft in the skies over Europe during the remainder of the war.
SPAD S.VII Specifications
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 6.08 m (19 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 7.82 m (25 ft 8 in)
- Height: 2.20 m (7 ft 3 in)
- Wing Area: 17.85 m² (192.1 sq ft)
- Empty Weight: 500 kg (1,102 lb)
- Gross Weight: 705 kg (1,554 lb)
- Engine: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 8Aa 90° V-8 liquid-cooled engine, 110 kW (150 hp)
- Propeller: 2-bladed wooden
SPAD S.VII Performance
- Maximum Speed: 193 km/h (120 mph) at sea level
- Range: 400 km (250 mi)
- Endurance: 2.66 hours
- Service Ceiling: 5,500 m (18,000 ft)
- Climb Rate: 6 min 40 sec to 2,000 m (6,600 ft)
SPAD S.VII Armament
- Guns: 1 × .303-cal. Vickers machine gun
