The Societe Pour L'Aviation et ses Derivas, commonly known as SPAD, was a French aircraft manufacturer responsible for producing a number of significant fighter aircraft during the First World War. Originally called Societe de production des avions Deperdussin, the company was virtually bankrupt before the war when it was rescued by Louis Bleriot who changed the name while retaining the initials.

SPAD began by building the "A-series" of pusher two-seat biplanes. In early 1915 SPAD began development of a tractor biplane designated the "S.V" which went into production as the SPAD S.VII. Improvements in the S.VII led first to the S.XII and then to the development of the definitive SPAD fighter, the S.XIII which entered service in May 1917 and equipped French, British and American squadrons. Over 8,000 S.XIIIs were eventually built.

The SPAD was most notably flown in service by Count Francesco Baracca and Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, two of the Entente highest scoring aces of WWI with 34 and 26 victories respectively. It was also flown by most French aces, including Georges Guynemer, one of France's most popular pilots.

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a SPAD XIIIC fighter flown by SPA3 Escadrille, 2 (S504), and piloted by Georges Guynemer during 1917. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-1/4-inches
Wingspan: 6-3/4-inches

Release Date: October 2008

Historical Account: "Flyboys" - French ace of aces, Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer, was revered by the French people as the veteran of over 600 aerial battles. Twice wounded and awarded 26 citations, the recipient of the highest honors for galantry France could bestow, his official victory total is 53, but it has been suggested that the true figure is closer to 100. A list of his victories reveals a pattern of intense activity interspersed with gaps of sometimes several weeks. Some are accounted for by the periods of inactivity that oftentimes occurs in war, but constantly on the brink of nervous collapse, other's mark Guynemer's absences for treatment of more than merely physical wounds.

Given the consideration of a later more enlightened age, Geroges Guynemer might have been relieved from combat in March 1916 to live out the balance of his life as a much decorated but obscure French airman, with eight victories and a proud record in the service of his country.