SIAI-Marchetti SM.75 Marsupiale

SIAI-Marchetti · Italy · first flew 1937 · transport aircraft

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.75 was a large Italian three-engine civil transport of the late 1930s, a direct development of the SM.73 and designed for medium- to long-range airliner and mail routes. It was well-regarded for its comfort and reliability.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — FuselageLarge rounded fuselage with extensive glazing
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

Large high-wing tri-motor with a round-section fuselage, spatted fixed undercarriage and a broad straight wing. Distinguished from the SM.79 by the absence of the dorsal hump and cleaner nose glazing.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering service with Ala Littoria in 1937, the SM.75 operated routes across Europe and to the Middle East and East Africa. When Italy entered World War II, the aircraft were drafted into military transport service and flew demanding supply missions to North Africa and the Soviet front. A small number carried out clandestine long-range missions.

Variants

The standard SM.75 was the principal production version; a small number were fitted with additional fuel capacity for extended-range operations. The Marsupiale nickname referred to its bulky, pouched fuselage profile.

Where you'll see it

Operated primarily by Ala Littoria in civil use and then the Regia Aeronautica during World War II; the type did not see service after the war.

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