SPAD S.XI
Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés · France · first flew 1917 · fighter
The SPAD S.XI was a French two-seat biplane developed during World War I primarily for reconnaissance and artillery observation. Built by SPAD on the successful structural formula of the S.VII, it added a rear observer/gunner position.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.84 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWI two-seat biplane reconnaissance fighter
- Hispano-Suiza engine with car-style bonnet
- Fixed undercarriage with prominent V-struts
Distinguished from the single-seat SPAD S.VII by its larger fuselage accommodating a rear cockpit with a Scarff-ring Lewis gun mount. The broad, equal-span biplane wings and prominent Hispano-Suiza engine cowling are characteristic.
Specifications
- The SPAD S.XI has a length of 7.84 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.21 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced in 1917, the S.XI entered service with the French Aviation Militaire and was widely exported to Allied nations including the United States, which received hundreds. It replaced earlier two-seaters on the Western Front and saw extensive operational use through the Armistice. Production exceeded 3,500 aircraft across multiple manufacturers.
Variants
The S.XVI was a direct development with a more powerful engine. The S.XI was produced by SPAD and several sub-contractors to meet Allied demand.
Where you'll see it
Operated by France, Italy, Belgium, the US Air Service, and several post-war air forces; a handful of survivors exist in museum collections worldwide.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.