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SPAD XIII Model, Italian Air Force, 91st Sqn - Corgi AA37907


SPAD XIII Model, Italian Air Force, 91st Sqn - Corgi AA37907 - click to enlarge
SPAD XIII Model, Italian Air Force, 91st Sqn - Corgi AA37907 - click to enlarge


Item No. CG-AA37907
$59.95
Availability: Sold Out


Description

Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

SPAD XIII – S2445, Major Francesco Baracca, 91st Squadriglia, Italian Air Force, April 1918

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5.25".  Wingspan: 6.75"



Limited Edition of 1000 Models Worldwide


Francesco Baracca was the son of a wealthy landowner and former cavalryman. Qualifying as a pilot in 1912, Baracca was already an accomplished airman by the time Italy entered World War I and, despite the fact he was flying older French designed aircraft, he managed to claim Italy’s first aerial victory of the war on 7th April 1916. Baracca’s aircraft carried his personal emblem on the port side of the fuselage, a black prancing horse, which was the Arms of the Baracca family and in recognition of his time as a cavalry officer.

Duty and compassion were driving forces in his life and he found it difficult to cope with life away from his Squadron – he would, however, make a point of visiting injured airmen he had engaged in combat, or laying a wreath at the grave of those who perished. As with many of the great aces of World War I, Baracca would not survive the conflict, falling to ground fire while strafing enemy trenches on 19th June, 1918. His score of 34 aerial victories earned him the title of Italy’s ‘Ace of aces’ and celebrated national hero, while also becoming one of the highest scoring aces of the Great War.

In 1917, after acknowledging the failings of the SPAD S.VII compared to contemporary German fighters, SPAD built the S.XIII. Constructed primarily of wood with a fabric covering, this French biplane had a similar layout to its predecessor but with two Vickers machine guns replacing the single machine gun used on the S.VII, as well as a more powerful engine. The SPAD S.XIII was first flown in April 1917 with deliveries to the French Aéronautique Militaire starting the following month. Despite some performance problems, including poor maneuverability, and controllability at low speeds, the SPAD S.XIII was one of the most capable fighters of World War I.

A total of 8,472 SPAD S.XIIIs were built with orders for around 10,000 more that were cancelled at the Armistice. The S.XIII remained in service with France as a fighter until 1923. Other Allied forces also adopted the fighter, with SPAD XIIIs equipping 15 of the 16 operational U.S. pursuit squadrons at the Armistice.


The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a SPAD XIII features:

  • Die-cast metal fuselage
  • Detailed cockpit with pilot figure
  • Historically accurate printed markings
  • Wood grain effect rotatable propeller
  • Detailed wing rigging
  • Display stand
  • Numbered collector card
  • Box with SPAD XIII artwork



  • Category: Corgi Biplane and Triplane Aircraft Models


    Not suitable for children under the age of 14 years


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