SIAI-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale
SIAI-Marchetti · Italy · first flew 1939 · transport aircraft
The Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale was an Italian three-engine high-wing transport and bomber that served as one of the Regia Aeronautica's most important heavy transport and logistic aircraft throughout World War II. It could carry substantial cargo or act as a long-range bomber.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.9 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian WWII three-engine transport and bomber
- High-wing trimotor with fixed spatted undercarriage
- Nicknamed Marsupiale (Marsupial) for its large belly cargo hold
A large, slab-sided high-wing trimotor with a deep fuselage for cargo; the three radial engines (one on the nose, one under each wing) and prominent fixed undercarriage fairings are characteristic, similar in layout to the SM.79 but larger and less streamlined.
Specifications
- The SIAI-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale has a length of 22.9 m (75 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 29.68 m (97 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 347 km/h (216 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1939, the SM.82 entered service with the Regia Aeronautica and was widely used in the Mediterranean, East African and Russian campaigns for supply dropping, troop transport and bombing missions. Post-war, a number served with the Italian Air Force (AMI) and the type was exported. It remained in limited Italian service into the 1950s.
Variants
Several variants were produced differing in engine fit (Alfa Romeo 128, Piaggio P.XI and others); the basic transport and bomber configurations were the main types.
Where you'll see it
Served extensively with the Regia Aeronautica and post-war Aeronautica Militare Italiana; also operated by Romania during WWII. No UK service.
Related aircraft
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.84
- SIAI-Marchetti SM.75 Marsupiale
- SIAI-Marchetti SM.89
- Savoia-Marchetti SM.85
- Lockheed Lodestar
- Martin PBM Mariner
- Martin PBM-1 Mariner
- Showa/Nakajima L2D
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