Spad

French aircraft

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The Spad was a French fighter aircraft prominent during World War I. It was a tractor biplane, meaning the propeller was at the front of the aircraft, which offered better performance than earlier pusher configurations. Spad fighters, along with British S.E.5s, were powered by the Hispano-Suiza V-8 engine, which gave them an advantage over their German counterparts in the latter stages of the war. These aircraft were crucial in the development of aerial combat, evolving from reconnaissance roles to dedicated fighters armed with machine guns.123

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fighter aircraft
VII and the French Spad were attaining speeds of 135 miles (215 km) per hour. Most of these were biplanes made of wooden frames and cloth skins, as were many of the standard interwar fighters.
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VII and the French Spad were attaining speeds of 135 miles (215 km) per hour. Most of these were biplanes made of wooden frames and cloth skins, as were many of the standard interwar fighters.
Read More