MACCHI M.5

The Macchi M.5 was an Italian fighter flying boat built in the biplane configuration from the First World War and the interwar period. A prototype flight took place in 1917, and the machine entered production in the same year. About 240 aircraft of this type were built in its course. The drive was provided - initially - by a single engine Isotta Fraschini V.4B Fr. power up to 160 HP. The length of the aircraft was 8.08 meters with a wingspan of 11.9 meters. The deck armament mostly consisted of two 6.5 mm machine guns. The Macchi M.5 aircraft was developed for the aviation of the Italian Navy (incl. Aviazione per la Regia Marina ), as a patrol machine capable of engaging in a fairly equal fight over sea areas with enemy fighters. The Macchi M.5 was characterized by very good performance for an aircraft of this class, as well as great maneuverability. It is also worth adding that the engine is under production The Isotta Fraschini V.4B was replaced by the 250hp Isotta Fraschini V.6 unit, which positively influenced the already good performance and parameters of the machine. Airplanes of this type remained in service even after 1918, but were withdrawn from it until the end of the 1920s. The only foreign user of airplanes Macchi M.5 were the United States.