The SPAD XIIIc.i and Eddie Rickenbacker, top American ace of WW I with 26 victories, are inseparable in aviation lore. The colors on the Museum’s replica are those used by Rickenbacker when he commanded the 94th or “Hat in the Ring” Squadron. The XIIIc.i was tricky to handle at low speed but proved a fast, strong and stable gun platform.
Specifications: span 26 ft. 11 in.; length 20 ft. 8 in.; takeoff weight 1807 lbs.; engine 200-235 hp. Hispano-Suiza water-cooled V-8 (original); 180 hp. Lycoming air-cooled flat four (representation); maximum speed 138 mph. Armament two Vickers .303 cal. machine guns.
My oldest brother, clearing his head of the duties of a Ford Motor VP, built and flew RC planes.
He was out with his Spad and an elderly man in tears identified the plane from the markings as one he had flown.
This was in the seventies, and I've seen the b&w photos of the day's events.
The above plane has two Vickers guns, perhaps above the cowl, synchronized.
I always thought this was a good-looking print:
