Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere
Piaggio · Italy · first flew 1939 · bomber
The Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere was the only four-engine strategic heavy bomber produced and operated by Italy during World War II. It was a technically advanced design featuring remote-controlled gun turrets mounted within the engine nacelles.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italy's only true strategic heavy bomber of World War II
- Four-engine low-wing bomber with remote-controlled gun turrets in engine nacelles
- Distinctive gun barbettes mounted in the outer engine nacelles firing sideways
Four-engine low-wing bomber with gun barbettes visible in the outer engine nacelles, a long glazed nose, and a conventional tail — unique among WWII heavy bombers for its nacelle gun positions.
Specifications
- The Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere has a length of 22.92 m (75 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 32 m (105 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 430 km/h (267 mph).
- Typical crew: 7.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The P.108B first flew in November 1939 and entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1941. It conducted bombing raids on Gibraltar from bases in Sardinia and southern Spain, representing Italy's attempt at strategic bombing. Total production was only 24 aircraft. Bruno Mussolini, the dictator's son, was killed in a P.108 crash in 1941 during testing. The type served until Italy's armistice in 1943.
Variants
The P.108B (Bombardiere) was the standard bomber; the P.108C was a civil transport variant; the P.108A was an anti-ship variant with a large 102mm cannon; the P.108T was a military transport.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Regia Aeronautica's 274th Long Range Bomber Squadron, conducting raids on Gibraltar; never served outside Italian hands.
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