Ansaldo SVA-5
Ansaldo · Italy · first flew 1917 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Ansaldo SVA-5 was Italy's finest reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War, a fast sesquiplane remarkable for its long range and high speed that enabled legendary long-distance flights deep into enemy territory.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | slim fuselage with twin Vickers guns on the upper decking |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- sesquiplane with narrow lower wing braced by distinctive Warren-truss interplane struts
- SPA 6A inline engine with frontal radiator
- slim fuselage with twin Vickers guns on the upper decking
The Warren-truss interplane struts — an X-pattern rather than N-struts — are the most distinctive recognition feature; the sesquiplane configuration with its narrow lower wing and slim fuselage with inline engine distinguish it from contemporary fighters.
Specifications
- The Ansaldo SVA-5 has a length of 8.1 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.1 m (30 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Umberto Savoia and Rodolfo Verduzio, the SVA first flew in 1917 and entered service primarily as a reconnaissance type, its speed making it difficult for German fighters to intercept. The most celebrated mission was Gabriele D'Annunzio's flight over Vienna in August 1918, dropping propaganda leaflets from eleven aircraft.
Variants
The SVA-5 was the single-seat reconnaissance version; the SVA-9 and SVA-10 were two-seat variants. The SVA-4 carried a camera for photographic reconnaissance.
Where you'll see it
Italian Regia Aeronautica operated the SVA extensively in the final years of the First World War; postwar examples served in colonial operations and several nations purchased surplus aircraft for their air arms.
Related aircraft
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