MACCHI M9

The Macchi M.9 was an Italian mixed biplane design flying boat. The drive was provided by a single engine FIAT A-12bis with a power of 280 hp. The flight of the prototype took place in 1918, and serial production continued in the period 1918-1919, ending with the production of about 30 machines of this type. The aircraft was armed with a single 7.7mm Lewis machine gun and a bomb load of up to 50 kg. Macchi M.9 was commissioned by the Italian Navy as a light, 2-person flying boat with an observation and reconnaissance character. The design of the aircraft was based on the experience gained from the production of Macchi M.5 and Macchi M.7 machines. As a result, a machine was created with a classic design for those times, but with good flight characteristics and good performance. Due to its late entry into line service, the Macchi M.9 took a marginal part in World War I. Due to the quick end of the war, the Macchi label created a civilian version of the machine called Macchi M.9 bis, which went only to Switzerland. On the other hand, the military version was purchased in 1921 by Poland, which used Macchi M.9 machines until 1926.