Savoia-Marchetti SM.84
SIAI-Marchetti · Italy · first flew 1940 · bomber
The Savoia-Marchetti SM.84 was an Italian three-engined medium bomber and torpedo bomber developed as a successor to the famous SM.79 Sparviero. Intended to improve on its predecessor's range and bomb load, it featured twin tailfins instead of the SM.79's single fin, giving it a distinct silhouette.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Deeper, more rounded fuselage cross-section than predecessor |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three radial engines in classic SM.79-style arrangement — one in nose, two on wing leading edges
- Twin oval tailfins rather than single fin of SM.79
- Deeper, more rounded fuselage cross-section than predecessor
The twin tailfins immediately distinguish it from the SM.79; the nose engine and paired wing engines follow the same tri-motor formula. The fuselage is somewhat deeper than the SM.79.
Specifications
- The Savoia-Marchetti SM.84 has a length of 17.9 m (59 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.15 m (69 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 432 km/h (268 mph).
- Typical crew: 4-5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Design work began in 1939 and the prototype flew in 1940. Despite expectations, the SM.84 proved inferior in handling to the SM.79, and Regia Aeronautica crews generally preferred the older type. Around 300 were built, serving in the torpedo-bomber, level-bombing, and maritime reconnaissance roles throughout the Mediterranean.
Variants
The SM.84 bis featured modified engine installation and detail improvements. Some airframes were converted post-armistice for transport duties.
Where you'll see it
The SM.84 served with the Regia Aeronautica from 1941 and saw action over Malta, in the Mediterranean convoy battles, and along the North African coast. After September 1943, surviving aircraft were used by both the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force and the German-aligned ANR.
Related aircraft
- SIAI-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale
- SIAI-Marchetti SM.89
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.91
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.92
- Arkhangelsky Ar-2
- B-25 Mitchell
- BB-MAI
- Bloch MB.162
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