Difference between revisions of "S.M.79 AS"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] alongside the initial Italian aviation tree.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] alongside the initial Italian aviation tree.
  
−
It is armed with 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns that can give a good hit against the aircraft it faces, but you have to be precise to destroy the enemies. 
+
== General info ==
 +
The '''S.M.79 Sparviero AS (1941)''' is a later modification of the SM.79 bomber used in the North Africa campaign, AS stands for North Africa. It was used during the Africa campaign and was equipped with a sand filter on the carburetor air intake, the radiator was also extended so that the engines would not heat too much.
 +
 
 +
It is armed with 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine guns that can give a good hit against any fighter it faces, but you have to be precise to damage the enemies. 
  
−
The pilot can also use a fixed 12.7mm Breda that fires forward, this gun can be useful for destroying light vehicles and trucks that are often encountered in low-level battles and can be used to shoot down other aircraft.  
+
The pilot can also use a fixed 12.7 mm Breda that fires forward, this gun can be useful for destroying light vehicles and trucks that are often encountered in low-tier battles and can be used to shoot down other aircraft.  
  
−
With the ability to carry 2x500 kg bombs, the SM.79 can use them to more easily bring down heavier casemates and tanks, not only but this bomber can carry a torpedo that you can use to destroy enemy bot ships or player's ships.
+
With the ability to carry 2 x 500 kg bombs, the SM.79 AS can destroy pillboxes and tanks with ease. This bomber can carry a torpedo you can use to destroy ships.
  
−
== General info ==
 
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
Line 141: Line 143:
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
'''RB/SB mode'''
 +
 
 +
''Air mode''
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is a mediocre bomber at its battle rating in air battles, though this variant can stay in WEP for longer and is good for a warm climate. At the beginning of the battle, go up to 3,000-4,500 m and go to destroy enemy bases. Whenever enemy fighters or other aircraft attack the {{PAGENAME}}, use your gunners to fight back against enemy aircraft, it is recommended to use the universal ammunition for the [[Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT]] turret belt because it contains 2 API-T and 2 AP-I per belt. {{annotation|AP-I|Armour-Piercing Incendiary}} and {{annotation|API-T|Armour-Piercing Incendiary Tracer}} ammo is perfect for defeating enemy planes because it can knock out the enemy pilot or set fire to enemy planes. Meanwhile for the [[Lewis (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Lewis machine gun]], use universal ammo for the side turrets belt because it contains 1 Tracer and 3 AP-I rounds. When you are close to the enemy base, use your bomber sights to drop your bombs and then return to the airfield to reload your bombs.
 +
 
 +
''Ground mode''
 +
 
 +
You can use the {{PAGENAME}} in ground battles with the following payloads: 5 x [[GP 250 (250 kg)|250 kg (Mod.28)]] or 2 x [[GP 500 (500 kg)|500 kg (Type 28)]]. After spawning with the {{PAGENAME}}, stay at an altitude of 900-1,500 m and use the bomber crosshairs to drop the bombs more accurately. The selected bombs in the payload are very good, so if your bombs get close to enemy medium and heavy tanks, they can be destroyed very easily.
 +
 
 +
''Naval mode''
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has in its arsenal the ability to equip the [[F200/450 (450 mm)|450 mm torpedo (F200/450)]]. The torpedo drop performance is mediocre so the {{PAGENAME}} has to be under 301 km/h and a height of less than 120 m to use it. However, the torpedo's effect against ships are very good due to the 200 kg of explosives in the warhead.
 +
 
 +
'''AB mode'''
 +
 
 +
Like any bomber in Arcade Battles, the {{PAGENAME}} is likely to be the first to be destroyed. Go up to 4,000-5,000 m and stay at that height and drop bombs onto enemy bases. Remember that the {{PAGENAME}} can be destroyed very easily by enemy planes, so be careful and maintain situational awareness to see if there are enemy planes coming.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 167: Line 186:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition.
+
* Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition
−
* Good speed, fastest version of the S.M.79.
+
* Good speed, fastest version of the S.M.79s
−
* Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks.
+
* Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks
−
* Capable of carrying torpedoes, unlike previous models.
+
* Capable of carrying torpedoes, unlike previous models
−
* Can fly on 2 engines.
+
* Can fly on 2 engines
−
* The engines overheat slowly.
+
* The engines overheat slowly
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very limited bomb payload.
+
* Very limited bomb payload
−
* Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover.
+
* Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover
−
* No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect.
+
* No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect
−
* Lacks armour protection for the crew.
+
* Lacks armour protection for the crew
−
* Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs.
+
* Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs
−
* Engines are prone to catching fire when hit.
+
* Engines are prone to catching fire when hit
 +
* Lewis guns are mostly obsolete at this tier
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922 Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983.   After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.
+
Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922, Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.
  
−
You probably saw the very similar looking Italian SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73.  The SM.79 was new passenger version based on the planform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear.  It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries.  Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel.  For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.
+
You probably saw the very similar looking Italian SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The SM.79 was new passenger version based on the platform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.
  
−
Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood!  The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood.  The crew area to nose was duralumin cladded (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane’s construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size.  During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.
+
Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood. The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin cladded (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane’s construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.
  
−
To make the SM.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight.  To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called “flaperons”) in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps.  After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after.  As with the SM.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.
+
To make the SM.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the SM.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.
  
 
'''Sparviero goes to war'''
 
'''Sparviero goes to war'''
  
−
The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time).  While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose mounted engine, the SM.79 positioned it in a ventral “tub” well after of the bomb bay itself.  Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret.  A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7mm MG, firing above the propeller disk.  Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not.  It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname il gobbo maledetto ("damned hunchback").  Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.
+
The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose-mounted engine, the SM.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname il gobbo maledetto ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.
  
−
From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defenses.  Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice.  They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later.  Lebanon was the last operator who used them well in the 1950’s and are the last 2 remaining SM.79 in world.
+
From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defenses. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well in the 1950’s and are the last 2 remaining SM.79 in world.
  
 
The version was modified to mount a torpedo, but was little changed from earlier versions.
 
The version was modified to mount a torpedo, but was little changed from earlier versions.
Line 207: Line 227:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=bomber&vehicle=sm_79_1941_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sm_79_1941_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
−
* [[S.M.79_AS_(Germany)|▀S.M.79 AS]] - Version of the plane in the German tech tree
+
;Related development
−
 
 
−
;<nowiki>Other S.M.79 vehicles:</nowiki>
 
  
−
* [[S.M.79 serie 1]]
+
* [[S.M.79 (Family)]]
−
* [[S.M.79 serie 8]]
+
** [[S.M.79 AS (Germany)]]
−
* [[S.M.79 bis/T.M]]
 
−
* [[S.M.79 B]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 14:26, 5 July 2024

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This page is about the Italian bomber S.M.79 AS. For other versions, see S.M.79 (Family).
S.M.79 AS
sm_79_1941_italy.png
GarageImage S.M.79 AS.jpg
S.M.79 AS

Description

The S.M.79 Sparviero AS (1941) is a rank Italian bomber with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica" alongside the initial Italian aviation tree.

General info

The S.M.79 Sparviero AS (1941) is a later modification of the SM.79 bomber used in the North Africa campaign, AS stands for North Africa. It was used during the Africa campaign and was equipped with a sand filter on the carburetor air intake, the radiator was also extended so that the engines would not heat too much.

It is armed with 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine guns that can give a good hit against any fighter it faces, but you have to be precise to damage the enemies. 

The pilot can also use a fixed 12.7 mm Breda that fires forward, this gun can be useful for destroying light vehicles and trucks that are often encountered in low-tier battles and can be used to shoot down other aircraft.

With the ability to carry 2 x 500 kg bombs, the SM.79 AS can destroy pillboxes and tanks with ease. This bomber can carry a torpedo you can use to destroy ships.

Flight performance

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 459 445 32.2 33.1 3.3 3.3 400
Upgraded 504 480 29.9 31.0 9.3 5.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
313 298 220 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 270 < 270 > 290
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,400 m 740 hp 910 hp

Survivability and armour

  • No armour
  • 9 self-sealing fuel tanks (1 under dorsal gunner, 4 in each wing)
  • Can survive some hits from calibres below 20 mm 
  • Engines are prone to catching fire very easily when hit
  • Poor defensive gunner positions

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)

The S.M.79 AS is armed with:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal-mounted (350 rpg)

Suspended armament

Main articles: GP 50 (50 kg), GP 100 (100 kg), GP 250 (250 kg), GP 500 (500 kg), F200/450

The S.M.79 AS can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
  • 12 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
  • 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
  • 1 x F200/450 torpedo
  • 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)

Defensive armament

Main articles: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm), Lewis (7.7 mm)

The S.M.79 AS is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (485 rpg)

Usage in battles

RB/SB mode

Air mode

The S.M.79 AS is a mediocre bomber at its battle rating in air battles, though this variant can stay in WEP for longer and is good for a warm climate. At the beginning of the battle, go up to 3,000-4,500 m and go to destroy enemy bases. Whenever enemy fighters or other aircraft attack the S.M.79 AS, use your gunners to fight back against enemy aircraft, it is recommended to use the universal ammunition for the 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT turret belt because it contains 2 API-T and 2 AP-I per belt. AP-I and API-T ammo is perfect for defeating enemy planes because it can knock out the enemy pilot or set fire to enemy planes. Meanwhile for the 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, use universal ammo for the side turrets belt because it contains 1 Tracer and 3 AP-I rounds. When you are close to the enemy base, use your bomber sights to drop your bombs and then return to the airfield to reload your bombs.

Ground mode

You can use the S.M.79 AS in ground battles with the following payloads: 5 x 250 kg (Mod.28) or 2 x 500 kg (Type 28). After spawning with the S.M.79 AS, stay at an altitude of 900-1,500 m and use the bomber crosshairs to drop the bombs more accurately. The selected bombs in the payload are very good, so if your bombs get close to enemy medium and heavy tanks, they can be destroyed very easily.

Naval mode

The S.M.79 AS has in its arsenal the ability to equip the 450 mm torpedo (F200/450). The torpedo drop performance is mediocre so the S.M.79 AS has to be under 301 km/h and a height of less than 120 m to use it. However, the torpedo's effect against ships are very good due to the 200 kg of explosives in the warhead.

AB mode

Like any bomber in Arcade Battles, the S.M.79 AS is likely to be the first to be destroyed. Go up to 4,000-5,000 m and stay at that height and drop bombs onto enemy bases. Remember that the S.M.79 AS can be destroyed very easily by enemy planes, so be careful and maintain situational awareness to see if there are enemy planes coming.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition
  • Good speed, fastest version of the S.M.79s
  • Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks
  • Capable of carrying torpedoes, unlike previous models
  • Can fly on 2 engines
  • The engines overheat slowly

Cons:

  • Very limited bomb payload
  • Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover
  • No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect
  • Lacks armour protection for the crew
  • Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs
  • Engines are prone to catching fire when hit
  • Lewis guns are mostly obsolete at this tier

History

Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922, Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.

You probably saw the very similar looking Italian SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The SM.79 was new passenger version based on the platform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.

Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood. The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin cladded (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane’s construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.

To make the SM.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the SM.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.

Sparviero goes to war

The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose-mounted engine, the SM.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname il gobbo maledetto ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.

From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defenses. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well in the 1950’s and are the last 2 remaining SM.79 in world.

The version was modified to mount a torpedo, but was little changed from earlier versions.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Savoia-Marchetti
Bombers  S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M
  S.81
Attackers  SM.91 · SM.92
Export  S.M.79 B
Captured  ▀S.M.79 serie 1 · ▀S.M.79 serie 4 · ▀S.M.79 serie 8
  ▀S.M.79 AS · ▀S.M.79 bis/N · ▀S.M.79 bis/T.M · ▀S.M.79 B

Italy bombers
Fiat  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Savoia-Marchetti  S.81 · S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 B · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M
CANT  Z.1007 bis serie 3 · Z.1007 bis serie 5
Piaggio  P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2
  Foreign:
Germany  ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 87 D-3
Hungary  ◔Tu-2S-59

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