Originally Posted by
surfimp
Yes, it should be pointed out that both the SE5 and SPAD really only came into their full capability once equipped with the Hispano Suiza 8b (or better). Even then, the engine proved unreliable at first, with many aircraft flyable only a few days a week as consequence.
The 180hp SPAD VII was arguably a much better plane than the original SE5, while the SE5a (with the 200hp Hispano Suiza 8b) along with modifications noted previously, are what brought the design into its own.
As I wrote previously in this thread, my vote goes to the SPAD family (VII and XIII) as the most important, as they were the first Entente designs in widespread use to make full advantage of the tactics afforded by speed and energy, as opposed to maneuverability alone. These tactics were later adapted to great success with the SE5a (and Fokker D.VII, etc.), but their success - for the Entente - begins in my view with the SPAD.
(Of course the Albatros fighters were the first designs to compromise maneuverability for speed and ceiling - to great success!)
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