The S.7 was a smaller version of the S.A 'Pulpit' fighter but had the observers forward seat and armament removed. Based around the Hispano-Suiza V8 engine which would eventually generate 180 HP with a top speed of 129 MPH, the Spad S.7 quickly became a favourite of the pilots who flew it, due to its excellent diving characteristics and sturdy structure. It was however not as nimble as the Nieuports it had replaced but was considered less likely to shed a wing in a dive, obviously something to consider before switching back to a Nieuport!
Entering large scale service in 1917 with over 4000 being produced the Spad
S.7 entered service with French, British, Italian and Belgian Air Forces amongst others. It's one major drawback was its armament of only 1 Vickers machine gun when most new aircraft of the time were being armed with 2 machine guns.
Our aircraft is one flown by Lt George Turnure of the 103rd Aero Squadron in a very attractive 5 tone camouflage scheme, Turnure was a recent graduate from Harvard prior to the outbreak of war and is credited with 2 possibly 3 aerial victories before being transferred as a flight commander to the 28th Aero Squadron. He was awarded the legion of Honour and Croix De Guerre with 3 palms and a star before the armistice ended his military career. Returning to New York, Turnure went to work in investment securities before dying prematurely at only age 24 years old, although the cause of death is not recorded.