89 Savoin Marchetti S.M.79

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Publisher: Profile Publications England
Cover: Soft
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Synopsis: The Savoia-Marchetti S.M.79 Sparviero (Sparrowhawk) represents Italy's most successful bomber design, serving as the backbone of the Regia Aeronautica's bombing operations throughout World War II and earning recognition as one of the war's most effective torpedo bombers. This comprehensive profile examines the development of this distinctive three-engine aircraft, originally designed by Alessandro Marchetti as a fast passenger transport that was subsequently adapted for military service with remarkable success. The book details the aircraft's unique design characteristics including the prominent dorsal "hump" housing the dorsal gunner position, retractable landing gear, and mixed construction combining metal framework with fabric covering that provided an optimal balance of weight, strength, and manufacturing efficiency. Technical specifications reveal impressive performance for a medium bomber: powered by three Alfa Romeo 126 RC.34 radial engines producing 750 horsepower each, achieving maximum speed of 267 mph at 13,125 feet, with exceptional range of 1,180 miles enabling long-distance missions across the Mediterranean theater. The profile analyzes the aircraft's versatile armament configuration including one fixed forward-firing 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, plus three flexible defensive positions with 7.7mm Lewis guns, and bomb bay capacity for 2,750 pounds of conventional bombs or specialized torpedo carrying capability. Operational history chronicles the S.M.79's combat debut during the Spanish Civil War where the aircraft demonstrated its effectiveness in both bombing and reconnaissance roles, providing valuable combat experience for Italian aircrew and revealing the design's operational advantages. The book examines major World War II operations including the aircraft's participation in the Battle of Britain where a small contingent operated alongside the Luftwaffe, demonstrating the type's long-range capabilities in attacks on British shipping and coastal targets. Mediterranean operations receive extensive coverage, analyzing the S.M.79's crucial role in attacks on British naval forces including the famous torpedo attacks on Royal Navy capital ships and convoy operations along the North African supply routes. The profile details the aircraft's evolution into one of the war's most effective torpedo bombers, with specialized anti-shipping units achieving remarkable success against heavily defended naval targets throughout the Mediterranean campaign. Combat accounts from Italian aircrew describe the challenges of low-level torpedo attacks against maneuvering warships, analyzing attack techniques, defensive formations, and the exceptional courage required for successful torpedo delivery under intense anti-aircraft fire. Technical sections examine various sub-variants including the improved S.M.79-II with enhanced armament, export versions for foreign air forces, and specialized reconnaissance variants equipped with cameras and extended range fuel systems. The book covers production details with over 1,330 S.M.79s manufactured, serving not only with Italy but also with Romanian, Iraqi, and other allied air forces throughout the conflict. Notable operations featured include attacks on the British Mediterranean Fleet, convoy interdiction missions, and the aircraft's continued service in Italian Social Republic units following the 1943 armistice, demonstrating the design's enduring effectiveness throughout the war's changing circumstances.

89 Savoin Marchetti S.M.79, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.