Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero
SIAI-Marchetti · Italy · first flew 1934 · bomber
The Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero (Sparrowhawk) was Italy's primary medium bomber and torpedo bomber of the Second World War. Its distinctive three-engine layout and dorsal hump made it one of the most recognisable Italian aircraft of the conflict.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian three-engine torpedo bomber with a distinctive dorsal hump behind the cockpit
- Asymmetric nose with offset cockpit and a ventral gondola for the bombardier
- Three radial engines — one in the nose, one under each wing
The three radials (nose and two underwing), pronounced dorsal hump, ventral gondola under the nose, and a wooden mixed-construction fuselage combine to make the SM.79 one of the easiest Italian aircraft to identify.
Specifications
- The Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero has a length of 16.2 m (53 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.2 m (70 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 460 km/h (286 mph).
- Typical crew: 4-5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally designed as a racing and record-breaking transport in 1934, the SM.79 was quickly adapted as a military bomber. It served throughout the Mediterranean theatre in WWII, excelling as a torpedo bomber against Allied shipping. Italy also exported the type to Yugoslavia, Romania, Iraq, and Brazil.
Variants
The SM.79-I was the first production bomber; the SM.79-II was the torpedo bomber; the SM.79-III, also called SM.79bis, had more powerful AR.128 engines and no ventral gondola. The twin-engined SM.79B was an export version, and Romania built the twin Jumo-engined JRS-79B.
Where you'll see it
Formed the backbone of the Regia Aeronautica's bomber force from 1936 through Italy's armistice in 1943. Small numbers served with allied Axis and post-war operators.
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- Savoia-Marchetti SM.78
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