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The Spad XVI was a two-seat version of the very successful single-seat Spad fighters of World War I, the Spad VII and the Spad XIII. The first Spad two-seater design to see front-line service was the Spad XI. The Spad XVI was an attempt to improve upon it by replacing the Spad XI's 220-horsepower Hispano-Suiza engine with a 240-horsepower Lorraine-Dietrich 8Bb. The Spad XVI appeared in January 1918. It was slightly faster than the Spad XI, but had a lower ceiling and the same poor handling qualities. It offered no overall improvement. Nevertheless, approximately 1,000 Spad XVIs were built, ultimately equipping 32 French escadrilles.

An otherwise undistinguished aircraft, the Spad XVI in the NASM collection is significant because of its association with Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell. He piloted this Spad XVI on many observation flights over the front lines during pivotal battles in the last months of the war.

Display Status

This object is on display in Pre-1920 Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Pre-1920 Aviation

Panoramas

Panoramic view of the cockpit of a Spad XVI
Panorama

SPAD XVI Panorama

Object Details

Date

1918

Country of Origin

France

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

SPAD (Societe Anonyme Pour l'Aviation et ses Derives)

Physical Description

Single-engine, two-seat, French-built World War I reconnaissance and bomber aircraft; 240-horsepower Lorraine-Dietrich 8Bb engine. Green, gray, and brown camouflage finish upper surfaces. Gray under surfaces.

Dimensions

Wingspan: 11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
Length: 7.8 m (25 ft 7 in)
Height: 2.8 m (9 ft 2 in)
Weight: Empty, 906 kg (1,994 lb)
Gross, 1,140 kg (2,508 lb)

Materials

Airframe: Wood
Covering: Fabric

Inventory Number

A19200002000

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. War Department

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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