Fast, powerful and strong in diving, it was one of the most widely produced aircrafts during WW1, with almost 8,500 units built.
The single-engine SPAD XIII was particularly noted for its robust construction and its ability to dive at high speed, features that made it one of the best dog-fighting airplanes of the war. This aircraft was flown especially by French squadrons, but also by British, Italian, Belgian, Russians, and American pilots that were part of American Expeditionary Force.
René P. Fonck was the highest scoring ace for France and the Allies and he was the fastest pilot in shooting down three airplanes in less than ten seconds.