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 Due
to the efforts of governments, aviation historians and enthusiasts,
a wealth of aviation history is being preserved for future generations
to marvel at and enjoy. On these pages you'll find fully restored
and operational aircraft from a bygone era. These marvelous
aircraft also serve as living memorials to the brave men and women who,
so far, have served and sometimes given the ultimate sacrifice, that we
and our families may live in a better, safer world. |
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Vintage
and Stunt
Aircraft |
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Chapter Index |
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SPAD S.XIII
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A SPAD S.XIII on display at the National Museum of
the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. This SPAD is painted in
the colors of the U.S. 94th Aero Squadron and the famous World War I
ACE Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker,
The SPAD S.XIII, a French manufactured biplane, was one of the most
capable fighter aircraft of World War I. It was highly
regarded for it's ruggedness, speed and diving performance. It
was also heavily armed for that era with dual 303 Vickers machine
guns.
The SPAD S.XIII however, was a demanding aircraft to
fly and difficult for a novice pilot to handle, especially in the
challenge of landing in one piece.
Sopwith Camel (Replica) |
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The British Sopwith Camel was well
known as an effective scout and superior fighter aircraft during the
first World War. A good part of its notoriety however, was with the
pilots who flew the Camel. Due to its ungainly design, it was a
challenging aircraft to fly, and its effectiveness relied heavily on
the experience level of the pilot. The engine, pilot, guns, and fuel
tank were all forward within the first several feet of the aircraft,
and the rotary engine produced a strong gyroscopic right turn effect
that the pilot had to continually work against. The Sopwith Camel
was considered rather unpleasant to fly, and many a rookie pilots
met their end in vicious unrecoverable spins.
In combat, the very characteristics that made the Sopwith Camel
rather difficult or even dangerous to fly, made it an effective
warrior.
In the hands of the well experience pilot the Camel was quick and
agile and could out maneuver its aerial adversaries. Its
agility coupled with two 303 Vickers machine guns provided the Royal
Air Force (RAF) with a high 'kill ratio' and definite air
superiority over the enemy. |
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by: Dr. Von Zuko 1998© |
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Aviation Index:
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Dr. Von
Zuko's Recommended Books and DVD's on Aviation:
Find other great books on
this or any topic:
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In recognition of the brave men and women of
the United States Armed Forces, and their families, who support the cause of
freedom
and defend the rights of liberty for all.
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