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SPAD XVI
The SPAD XVI is a two-seat version of the highly successful, single-seat SPAD fighters of World War I. It was introduced in January 1918. The first SPAD two-seater design to see front-line service was the SPAD XI. The SPAD XVI was an attempt to improve upon the XI by upgrading the engine to a slightly more powerful Lorraine-Dietrich 8Bb. It was also a bit faster but had a lower ceiling and equally poor handling qualities, and thus offered no overall improvement. Nonetheless, about 1,000 SPAD XVI's were built, and they ultimately equipped 32 French escadrilles.
This SPAD XVI is significant because of its association with Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, who piloted it on many observation flights over the front lines during pivotal battles in the last months of the war. |