SIAI-Marchetti S.55
SIAI-Marchetti · Italy · first flew 1924 · transport aircraft
The Savoia-Marchetti S.55 was a distinctive Italian flying boat of the 1920s featuring a twin-hull design with a thick parasol wing mounting a pair of tandem engines in a single nacelle. Its unconventional appearance belied excellent range and reliability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-hull flying boat with parasol wing
- Two tandem-mounted engines in single nacelle above wing
- Open cockpit on central wing structure
Unmistakable twin-boom, twin-hull flying boat with a single thick parasol wing and tandem engine nacelle mounted above the wing centre section. No other flying boat shares this configuration.
Specifications
- The SIAI-Marchetti S.55 has a length of 16.5 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 24 m (79 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 279 km/h (173 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Alessandro Marchetti, the S.55 first flew in 1924 and gained worldwide fame through a series of record-breaking long-distance flights led by General Italo Balbo. In 1933 Balbo commanded a formation of 24 S.55Xs across the Atlantic to Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition, a feat of mass formation flying that remains remarkable. The type demonstrated Italy's aviation prowess and served as a powerful propaganda tool.
Variants
The S.55X was the definitive production variant with more powerful Isotta-Fraschini Asso engines giving improved speed and range. Various earlier versions differed in engine fit and detail equipment.
Where you'll see it
The S.55 served with the Regia Aeronautica through the 1920s and 1930s on patrol and transport duties; it was also operated by Brazil and the Soviet Union in small numbers.
Related aircraft
- SIAI S.58
- Savoia-Marchetti S.59
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.62
- SIAI S.12
- Aero A.24
- Canadian Vickers Vedette
- GAZ-5 AK-1
- Naval Aircraft Factory PN-7
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.