SPAD VII US VOLUNTEERS

The SPAD VII plane is a French, single-engine fighter plane in a biplane system with a wooden structure covered with canvas. The flight of the prototype took place in May 1916, and serial production continued in the years 1916-1917. The creator of the machine was Eng. Louis Bechereau. The machine was powered by a Hispano-Suiza 8Ba V-engine with high efficiency and low weight. Ultimately, after many improvements, the engine obtained 180HP. The machine turned out to be fast, had very good flight characteristics, was durable and its only drawback was not the best maneuverability, especially compared to the Niueport 17. The machine was exported min. to Russia, Great Britain, Italy and Belgium. Technical data: length: 6.08 m, wingspan: 7.81 m, height: 2.2 m, maximum speed: 192 km / h, practical ceiling: 5330 m, maximum range: 360 km, armament: fixed - 1 machine gun cal.7, 7mm.