Corgi Aviation Archive Series Diecast Model

SPAD XIII – S7000, Rene Fonck, Escadrille 103, French Air Force, World War I, Autumn 1918

1:48 Scale.  Length: 5.1".  Wingspan: 6.6"


Limited Edition of 1,000 Models Worldwide

Although history has dictated that the aerial combat prowess of Manfred von Richthofen ensured he became one of the world’s most famous aviation personalities, the same cannot be said of the leading Allied ‘Ace of Aces’ from the Great War, who has remained largely anonymous to all but the most committed enthusiasts. Rene Fonck originally shunned the opportunity to become a pilot, preferring instead to share the trenches with countrymen, as they fought the Germans. The horrors of war soon changed his mind and led him to the cockpit of an aeroplane, where he was to display a real aptitude for flying and would eventually see him posted to a French Air Force reconnaissance squadron. His impressive airmanship and determination to fight brought about a transfer to the elite Escadrille 103 and the beginning of a long association with the SPAD fighter, an aircraft in which he would quickly begin to score victories.

The consummate tactician, Fonck would study the actions of his enemy during combat, watching from a distance before decisively launching an attack. Using as little ammunition as possible and perfecting the art of deflection shooting, Fonck would boast that he could direct his bullets so precisely into an enemy aircraft that it was as if he had placed them there by hand. By the end of the war, Fonck had been credited with 75 aerial victories, although his actual total is thought to have been much higher, possibly as many as 100 and even eclipsing the great Red Baron. As it was, his official score made him second only to von Richthofen, the Allied ‘ace of aces’ and the highest scoring fighter ace to survive the 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.


Corgi is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, die-cast display models. Every model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. This model is made with diecast metal and some plastic components.

This model of a SPAD XIII features: