It was the most important Italian bomber of World War II, this tough three-engined aircraft established a reputation that contrasted with most Italian weapons of the day, and it was flown with courage and skill. SM.79s served widely in the normal bombing role, but it is as a land-based torpedo bomber that the type deserves its place in military aviation history, being regarded by many as one of the finest torpedo bombers of the war. The basic design continued the company's tradition of mixed construction with steel tubes light alloy wood and fabric (this being the only way to produce in quantity with available skills and tools); in spite of its cumbersome appearance and outdated construction, the S.M.79 was a rugged, reliable multi-role medium bomber which did quite a bit of damage in the face of heavy opposition. About 1,300 production models were built over a nine year period. They had internal provision for 2,750 lb (1,250 kg) of bombs, supplemented by under fuselage rack for a torpedo. The SM.79 had a distinctive 'hump' on the upper forward fuselage, which housed both the fixed forward-firing heavy machine-gun and the dorsal gunner's position. Its appearance earned the aircraft the nickname 'Gobbo Maledetto' ('Damned Hunchback'). Post-war surviving SM.79s were converted into various versions of utility transports during the last phases of the war and survived in that role until 1952. Complete aircraft. 4 Different Hi-Res GMax models (4 different versions), features the usual moving parts, such as all flight controls, props pitch and leading edge flaps. Six different liveries (2 Regia Aeronautica, 1 A.N.R./R.S.I. , 2 Spanish Nationalist Air Force, 1 Italian Co-Belligerant Air Force); VC only. Tested in FSX. Created by Manuele Villa , January 2008. Installation instructions and paint-kit included.
by mvg3d (2008-01-18 02:16:21)
by mvg3d (2008-01-18 02:16:21)
