Savoia-Marchetti SM.81
| 250px | ||
| Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Role | Bomber and transport | |
| Crew | ? | |
| First Flight | 1935 | |
| Entered Service | 1935 | |
| Manufacturer | Savoia-Marchetti | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 17.8 m | 58 ft 5 in |
| Wingspan | 24 m | 78 ft 9 in |
| Height | 4.45 m | 14 ft 7 in |
| Wing area | 93 m² | 1001 ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 6300 kg | 13,900 lb |
| Loaded | kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff | 9300 kg | 20,500 lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | 3x Piaggio P.X RC.35 | |
| Power | 1,570 kW | 2,100 hp |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 340 km/h | 211 mph |
| Combat range | 2000 km | 1,240 miles |
| Ferry range | km | miles |
| Service ceiling | 7000 m | 23,000 ft |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | lb/ft² | kg/m² |
| Power/mass | W/kg | hp/lb |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 3x 7.7 mm machine guns | |
| Bombs | 1,000 kg | 2,200 lb |
The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello (Italian: bat) was a three-engined bomber/transport in the Italian Regia Aeronautica during World War II.
History
The SM.81 was a development of Savoia-Marchetti's earlier SM.73 airliner, with similar cantilever wings, three engines, and fixed tail landing gear. It first saw combat during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War, where it showed itself to be a versatile aircraft, serving as a bomber, transport and reconnaissance plane. SM.81s also fought in the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria, and were among the first planes sent by the fascist powers to aid Francisco Franco.
Despite the fact that they were almost completely obsolete, by 1940, when Italy became involved in World War II, more than 100 SM.81s were in active service with the Regia Aeronautica, and were to be found wherever Italian forces were fighting. Its low speed and vulnerability to fighter aircraft meant that, during day time, it was restricted to second line duties, finding use as a transport. At night, however, the SM.81 was an important bomber, particularly in the North African theatre of the war.
Most SM.81s had been phased out in favour of more modern bombers by the time of the Italian armistice of 1943, though some remained in service for both the Italian Social Republic and the co-belligerent Italian air force.
Several examples survived the war and went on to serve the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, but by 1950 all of these had been retired.
Operators
- Italy, Spain,
Reference
- Mondey, David. The Hamlyn Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II. Chancellor Press, 2002.