The Spad XVI was a two-seat version of the very successful single-seat Spad fighters of WWI. An otherwise undistinguished aircraft, this Spad XVI on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center is significant because of it's association with Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell. Six Spad XVIs were acquired from the French in August 1918 and this one became Mitchell's personal aircraft.

SPAD was better known for its single-seat fighters, and the two-seat S.XI/S.XVI served without distinction as a reconnaissance aircraft. Six S.XVIs were supplied to the Americans, and this particular one was flown by Lt Col Billy Mitchell during the Battle of Château-Thierry in July 1918.