SAVOIA-MARCHETTI SM-78

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.78 was an Italian mixed biplane design boat. The drive was provided by a single engine Isotta Fraschini Asso 750R with a power of 850 hp. The prototype flight took place in 1932. Serial production continued in the years 1932-1935, ending with the production of about 50 machines of this type. The aircraft was armed with four 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns and a load of up to 700 kg of bombs. The Savoia-Marchetti SM.78 was created in response to the demand for a new flying boat to perform reconnaissance tasks reported by the Italian military aviation. When designing the SM.78, the experience and many elements of another aircraft from the same company - the SM.62bis - were used. The new machine had better piloting properties, range and slightly better performance. SM.78 planes entered the line in early 1933 and remained there until 1938, when they began to be quickly replaced by the very successful CANT Z.501. Some SM.78s were in service at the initial stage of World War II, performing search and rescue functions.