Spad XIII WWI Fighter 1:72 Academy 12446

Plastic model airplane kit: Spad XIII WWI Fighter 1:72 Academy 12446

The Spad XIII WWI Fighter plastic model in 1:72 scale from the renowned company Academy is an excellent choice for model enthusiasts and aviation history buffs. This assembly kit allows you to recreate one of the most famous fighter planes from World War I, which played a key role in the aerial operations of that time.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalog number: 12446
• Contents of the kit: frames with plastic parts, transparent elements, decals (waterslide)
• Dimensions of the model after assembly: 172x112x33 mm

History of the SPAD XIII airplane: The SPAD XIII was a French fighter aircraft that entered service in 1917. It was designed by engineer Louis Béchereau as an extension of the earlier SPAD VII model. The new model featured increased firepower due to the use of two synchronized Vickers machine guns of 7.69 mm caliber. The aircraft was powered by a Hispano-Suiza 8 Be engine with a power of 235 HP, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 220 km/h.

The SPAD XIII was known for its solid construction and excellent flying characteristics, making it a favorite among many aces of that period. Among them were René Fonck, the most effective French fighter pilot of World War I, and American ace Edward Rickenbacker. This aircraft was used by the air forces of France, the United States, Italy, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Japan, Turkey, Czechoslovakia, the USSR, and Poland.

Use in Polish aviation: After the end of World War I, Poland purchased 40 units of the SPAD XIII, which were introduced into service in 1920. These aircraft were used by the 19th Fighter Squadron on the Lithuanian-Belarusian Front. In later years, the SPAD XIII served in Polish fighter and training squadrons until 1924.

Construction description: The SPAD XIII was a biplane with a mixed construction and a classic fixed landing gear. The fuselage had a truss structure, and the wings were two-spar, covered with fabric. Ailerons were only on the upper wing, which was supported by a pyramid. The aircraft was equipped with a front radiator with an opening for the propeller shaft. The powerplant was an 8-cylinder V-type Hispano-Suiza 8 Be engine, and the propeller was two-bladed and wooden.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.