SPADkennoksista

SPADkennoksista, also known as SPAD S.XIII, was a French single-seat fighter aircraft designed by Louis Béchereau and produced by Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés (SPAD). It was introduced in 1917 and saw extensive service during World War I. The SPADkennoksista was notable for its innovative design features, including a unique, streamlined fuselage and a powerful 160 hp Le Rhône 9J engine. Its distinctive appearance, with a large, rounded canopy and a distinctive "kennoksista" (Finnish for "beak") shape, earned it the nickname "Kennoksista" among Allied pilots. The aircraft was highly maneuverable and effective in dogfights, contributing significantly to the French Air Force's victories. Despite its success, the SPADkennoksista was relatively short-lived, with production ending in 1918 due to the end of the war. Only a small number of these aircraft remain today, making them a rare and sought-after piece of aviation history.