Difference between revisions of "SM.91"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
During 1942, the Regia Aeronautica required a defence fighter to provide a defence against bombers accelerating the advance of Allied troops into Italy. The SM.91 was created, a twin-engine fighter with DB 601 engines, armed with six 20 mm MG 151s up front and a turret equipped with a 20 mm MG 151 controlled by the gunner. 2 were created, taking flight for the first time on 11 May 1943, and achieved 27 hours of flight time but never entered official evaluations. One was captured by the Germans, while the other was destroyed by Allied bombing raids.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the SM.91 looks like a normal heavy fighter with a very good frontal armament capable of destroying an enemy aircraft or a light or medium tank very easily with a single burst, however the performance of the aircraft allows it to recover quickly enough when it loses a lot of speed, unlike other heavy fighters. In addition to this, it equips a small rear turret with a 20 mm cannon with which you can easily defend yourself from enemy fighters.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 89: Line 91:
 
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each centre wing, 1 in each frontal section of tail, 3 in each wing)
 
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each centre wing, 1 in each frontal section of tail, 3 in each wing)
  
−
The SM.91 has a good survivability, being able to take multiple 12.7 mm hits before going down; however, be careful when the enemy has 20mm cannons or higher since they will cause serious damage to your aircraft fuselage and engines.
+
The SM.91 has a good survivability, being able to take multiple 12.7 mm hits before going down; however, be careful when the enemy has 20 mm cannons or higher since they will cause serious damage to your aircraft fuselage and engines.
  
 
One DB 605 Inverted V12 engine is powerful enough to keep the aircraft flying in case of losing the other one, however; use of Manual Engine Controls is vital in this situation. Detailed explanation below.
 
One DB 605 Inverted V12 engine is powerful enough to keep the aircraft flying in case of losing the other one, however; use of Manual Engine Controls is vital in this situation. Detailed explanation below.
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* 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
 
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has 6 of the powerful MG 151/20's mounted in the centre of the aircraft and can utilise the minengeschoss round. Use "Stealth" or "Air targets" belts for best effectiveness.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has 6 of the powerful MG 151/20s mounted in the centre of the aircraft and can utilise the minengeschoss round. Use "Stealth" or "Air targets" belts for best effectiveness.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).'' -->
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
When flying it as an interceptor, it can shred bombers apart with its powerful armament and can ward off escorts who try to tail it with its single 20 mm cannon. However, it is paramount that you come in from oblique angles when attacking bombers, as their gunners can easily take out your pilot due to your lack of armour and bulletproof glass.
 
When flying it as an interceptor, it can shred bombers apart with its powerful armament and can ward off escorts who try to tail it with its single 20 mm cannon. However, it is paramount that you come in from oblique angles when attacking bombers, as their gunners can easily take out your pilot due to your lack of armour and bulletproof glass.
  
−
When flying it as a ground attacker, be wary that carrying the max payload will significantly decrease performance and you will be a prime target for low flying fighters like Yak's and Spitfires. However the maximum payload is rather weak, only 6 x 100 kg bombs with a max armour pen value of 91 mm and a blast radius of 4 meters. This means that you must land a near perfect or direct hit on medium and heavy tanks in order to destroy them.
+
When flying it as a ground attacker, be wary that carrying the max payload will significantly decrease performance and you will be a prime target for low flying fighters like Yaks and Spitfires. However the maximum payload is rather weak, only 6 x 100 kg bombs with a max armour penetration value of 91 mm and a blast radius of 4 m. This means that you must land a near perfect or direct hit on medium and heavy tanks in order to destroy them.
  
 
====On Simulation Mode====
 
====On Simulation Mode====
−
While flying on simulation mode you can take your time to reach a safe altitude around 3500m - 5000m climbing within ally air space. Keep in mind that you should use this aircraft with a Boom and Run mindset, that being the case, you should dive on your target while remaining hidden for your enemy as long as possible. Remember that in order to concentrate your burst mass in one zone, and hence having a greater chance to destroy the enemy plane (module; i.e., wings, tail) in one pass, you should open fire according to the gun targeting distance you are using, being a good setup from 300m to 500m.  
+
While flying on simulation mode you can take your time to reach a safe altitude around 3,500 to 5,000 m climbing within ally air space. Keep in mind that you should use this aircraft with a Boom and Run mindset, that being the case, you should dive on your target while remaining hidden for your enemy as long as possible. Remember that in order to concentrate your burst mass in one zone, and hence having a greater chance to destroy the enemy plane (module; i.e., wings, tail) in one pass, you should open fire according to the gun targeting distance you are using, being a good setup from 300 m to 500 m.
  
−
With your 6 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons you will be able to shoot down almost every enemy aircraft on your gunsight. However, always check the surroundings before attacking, you dont want to get swarmed after engaging with an enemy. You have to remember that most enemy aircrafts, save bombers, are faster and turn better than you. Therefore, you need to choose your targets wisely.  
+
With your 6 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons you will be able to shoot down almost every enemy aircraft on your gunsight. However, always check the surroundings before attacking, you dont want to get swarmed after engaging with an enemy. You have to remember that most enemy aircraft, save bombers, are faster and turn better than you. Therefore, you need to choose your targets wisely.
  
−
If everything mentioned before goes wrong and you end up with an enemy, or in the worst case, multiple of them going after you, you still have one chance to get out of that situation alive and it is your dorsal turret. The plane is equipped with a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and, when used correctly, it can pose a serious threat to most enemy fighters tailing you.  
+
If everything mentioned before goes wrong and you end up with an enemy, or in the worst case, multiple of them going after you, you still have one chance to get out of that situation alive and it is your dorsal turret. The plane is equipped with a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and, when used correctly, it can pose a serious threat to most enemy fighters tailing you.
  
−
It is recommended to perform evasive maneouvers and wait until the enemy behind you gets in a range of <500m, practically point blank. Therefore you will have an easier time leading your bullets in the enemy direction; when succesfully hitting an enemy at this range it will just take a couple of direct hits to set the bandit on fire, or if you get a good shot at his wings, send him down immediately.
+
It is recommended to perform evasive manoeuvres and wait until the enemy behind you gets in a range of <500 m, practically point blank. Therefore you will have an easier time leading your bullets in the enemy direction; when successfully hitting an enemy at this range it will just take a couple of direct hits to set the bandit on fire, or if you get a good shot at his wings, send him down immediately.
  
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
−
Do not head-on this plane, the 6 x 20 mm cannons will most likely destroy your plane and do not underestimate the defensive cannon. Armed with minengeschoß belts, the nose mounted cannons can easily cut your wings or set you on fire.  
+
Do not head-on this plane, the 6 x 20 mm cannons will most likely destroy your plane and do not underestimate the defensive cannon. Armed with minengeschoß belts, the nose-mounted cannons can easily cut your wings or set you on fire.
  
−
It is best to attack this plane from below since the deffensive 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon won't be able to aim lower than just a few degrees below the tail. Keep also in mind that even a P-47 can outturn it, so if an SM.91 gets behind you, force him to turn and make it lose energy.  
+
It is best to attack this plane from below since the deffensive 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon won't be able to aim lower than just a few degrees below the tail. Keep also in mind that even a P-47 can outturn it, so if an SM.91 gets behind you, force him to turn and make it lose energy.
  
−
If you are flying an aircraft with decent performance in vertical maneuvers, force the SM.91 to fight on the vertical. Due to the deficient acceleration capacity combined with a bad performance when going vertical, you will most likely get guns on target rather easily with this tactic.
+
If you are flying an aircraft with decent performance in vertical manoeuvres, force the SM.91 to fight on the vertical. Due to the deficient acceleration capacity combined with a bad performance when going vertical, you will most likely get guns on target rather easily with this tactic.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|}
 
|}
  
−
The SM.91 has a very forgivable MEC, therefore don't worry about killing your engine and try differente settings according to the map's conditions.  
+
The SM.91 has a very forgiving MEC, therefore don't worry about killing your engine and try different settings according to the maps conditions.
  
−
As a general setting you can: set the water and oil radiator at 30%, it will be a long time before cooling off is needed if using 100% throttle, however if WEP is engaged then you will need to open both radiators up to 45%; propeller pitch set at 100% when climbing and lower it to 85%-90% when going horizontal.  
+
As a general setting you can: set the water and oil radiator at 30%, it will be a long time before cooling off is needed if using 100% throttle, however if WEP is engaged then you will need to open both radiators up to 45%; propeller pitch set at 100% when climbing and lower it to 85%-90% when going horizontal.
  
−
If the engines take damage, it will usually be only one of them. That said, the SM.91 is able to fly with only one of its engines working. However, try to extend its life span or even keep the engine alive until you are back at the airfield to repair.  
+
If the engines take damage, it will usually be only one of them. That said, the SM.91 is able to fly with only one of its engines working. However, try to extend its life span or even keep the engine alive until you are back at the airfield to repair.
  
 
In order to do this, set the damaged engine (or both, if that's the case) as follows: water and oil radiator at a 100%, propeller pitch at 0% to 30% depending if you really need a boost to, for example, get over a hill; and throttle to 50%.
 
In order to do this, set the damaged engine (or both, if that's the case) as follows: water and oil radiator at a 100%, propeller pitch at 0% to 30% depending if you really need a boost to, for example, get over a hill; and throttle to 50%.
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great for Head ons
+
* Devastating armament: 6 x centre-mounted 20 mm MG 151 cannons will make quick work of any aircraft
−
 
+
* Great for head-ons
−
* 6 x 20 mm MG 151 in the centre of the aircraft
+
* Main armament has a large ammo capacity
−
* Main armament has an insane ammo capacity
 
 
* Gets an attacker spawn (AB/RB)
 
* Gets an attacker spawn (AB/RB)
−
* 20 mm MG 151 turret in the back
+
* 20 mm MG 151 cannon in the back turret
 
* Surprisingly good turn rate
 
* Surprisingly good turn rate
 
* Can act as a powerful interceptor
 
* Can act as a powerful interceptor
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* Tail is prone to snapping when under fire
 
* Tail is prone to snapping when under fire
−
 
 
* No armour protection
 
* No armour protection
 
* Big target
 
* Big target
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* Wings are littered with fuel tanks
 
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks
 
* Carrying the largest payload has a noticeable effect on performance
 
* Carrying the largest payload has a noticeable effect on performance
 +
* High tendency to flip forwards upon landing when braking
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
In 1942, ''Regia Aeronautica'' requested a new, long range aircraft that was to be powered by the German DB 601 Inline Inverted V12, carry an 800 kg bomb load, have 6 x 20 mm main armament and a single 20 mm rear cannon. Savoia-Marchetti had previously worked on the SM.88 heavy fighter and the request for a long range fighter disqualified the 88, as it only had a 1,250 L fuel capacity. SM started to work on a new fighter named the SM.91 that was made entirely out of metal, had 6 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (7 if you count the rear gunner) provided by Germany, was powered by two DB 605 engines and had a range of 1,600 km with a 1,600 L fuel capacity that could be enlarged to 1,800 L with auxiliary tanks.
+
In 1942, the Regia Aeronautica requested a new, long range aircraft that was to be powered by the German DB 601 Inline Inverted V12, carry an 800 kg bomb load, have 6 x 20 mm main armament and a single 20 mm rear cannon. Savoia-Marchetti had previously worked on the SM.88 heavy fighter and the request for a long range fighter disqualified the 88, as it only had a 1,250 L fuel capacity. SM started to work on a new fighter named the SM.91 that was made entirely out of metal, had 6 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (7 if you count the rear gunner) provided by Germany, was powered by two DB 605 engines and had a range of 1,600 km with a 1,600 L fuel capacity that could be enlarged to 1,800 L with auxiliary tanks.
  
 
The two prototypes that were produced made their maiden flight on the 11th of May, 1943 and logged 27 hours at Vergiate. However, it was never entered into the official trials, mainly due to it still being in testing. The first prototype was captured and sent to Germany, and the second prototype was presumed to have been destroyed by bombers.
 
The two prototypes that were produced made their maiden flight on the 11th of May, 1943 and logged 27 hours at Vergiate. However, it was never entered into the official trials, mainly due to it still being in testing. The first prototype was captured and sent to Germany, and the second prototype was presumed to have been destroyed by bombers.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sm_91 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|zn2uhgI2PPg|'''Best twin-boom aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:11 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* [[SM.92]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
  

Latest revision as of 18:14, 30 March 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
SM.91
sm_91.png
GarageImage SM.91.jpg
SM.91
Italy flag.png Italy
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 4.0
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

During 1942, the Regia Aeronautica required a defence fighter to provide a defence against bombers accelerating the advance of Allied troops into Italy. The SM.91 was created, a twin-engine fighter with DB 601 engines, armed with six 20 mm MG 151s up front and a turret equipped with a 20 mm MG 151 controlled by the gunner. 2 were created, taking flight for the first time on 11 May 1943, and achieved 27 hours of flight time but never entered official evaluations. One was captured by the Germans, while the other was destroyed by Allied bombing raids.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the SM.91 looks like a normal heavy fighter with a very good frontal armament capable of destroying an enemy aircraft or a light or medium tank very easily with a single burst, however the performance of the aircraft allows it to recover quickly enough when it loses a lot of speed, unlike other heavy fighters. In addition to this, it equips a small rear turret with a 20 mm cannon with which you can easily defend yourself from enemy fighters.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 7 010 m585 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude9 500 m
Engine2 х Daimler-Benz DB-605A1
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t

The SM.91 fulfils a similar role to the P-38 when flown as an interceptor: a twin-engined fighter that is surprisingly capable as a dogfighter due to its good turn rate, especially when spaded. The twin Piaggio P.XI RC.40 12 cylinder inline engines, which happen to be a pair of the powerful DB 605 Inverted V12 engines, are placed away from the cockpit, meaning its hard to take them out in a head-on. However, the heavy nature of the plane means that its acceleration is quite sluggish at low altitudes. The aircraft also sports leading edge wing slats that shorten the turning circle and has airbrakes that can help it slow down in a dive and help when landing on an airfield, which is already fairly easy due to its tri landing gear.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,010 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 561 546 9500 21.1 21.9 9.3 9.3 300
Upgraded 610 585 19.0 20.0 15.3 12.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
845 300 535 450 260 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 280 < 200 < 450 > 380
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,800 m 1,232 hp 1,387 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural845 km/h
Gear300 km/h
  • No armour
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each centre wing, 1 in each frontal section of tail, 3 in each wing)

The SM.91 has a good survivability, being able to take multiple 12.7 mm hits before going down; however, be careful when the enemy has 20 mm cannons or higher since they will cause serious damage to your aircraft fuselage and engines.

One DB 605 Inverted V12 engine is powerful enough to keep the aircraft flying in case of losing the other one, however; use of Manual Engine Controls is vital in this situation. Detailed explanation below.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB575 → 731 Sl icon.png
RB908 → 1 155 Sl icon.png
SB2 024 → 2 576 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 320 Rp icon.png
13 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 80 / 160 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_turret_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP50
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg15120_turret_new_gun
Research:
780 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 16 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: MG 151/20 (20 mm)

The SM.91 is armed with:

  • 3 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 900 total)
  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, chin-mounted (300 rpg)
  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

The SM.91 has 6 of the powerful MG 151/20s mounted in the centre of the aircraft and can utilise the minengeschoss round. Use "Stealth" or "Air targets" belts for best effectiveness.

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 16 x 50 kg GP 50 bomb
Setup 26 x 100 kg GP 100T bomb
Main articles: GP 50 (50 kg), GP 100 (100 kg)

The SM.91 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (300 kg total)
  • 6 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (600 kg total)

The SM.91 can carry up to 6 x 100 kg bombs, which makes it useable in ground forces battles. Due to the rather small size of the bombs, you have to be extra accurate when dropping bombs.

Defensive armament

Turret20 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition350 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: MG 151/20 (20 mm)

The SM.91 is defended by:

  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, dorsal turret (350 rpg)

The SM.91 can defend itself very well from any tailing aircraft. Use "Universal" belts for the most effective defensive fire.

Usage in battles

When flying it as an interceptor, it can shred bombers apart with its powerful armament and can ward off escorts who try to tail it with its single 20 mm cannon. However, it is paramount that you come in from oblique angles when attacking bombers, as their gunners can easily take out your pilot due to your lack of armour and bulletproof glass.

When flying it as a ground attacker, be wary that carrying the max payload will significantly decrease performance and you will be a prime target for low flying fighters like Yaks and Spitfires. However the maximum payload is rather weak, only 6 x 100 kg bombs with a max armour penetration value of 91 mm and a blast radius of 4 m. This means that you must land a near perfect or direct hit on medium and heavy tanks in order to destroy them.

On Simulation Mode

While flying on simulation mode you can take your time to reach a safe altitude around 3,500 to 5,000 m climbing within ally air space. Keep in mind that you should use this aircraft with a Boom and Run mindset, that being the case, you should dive on your target while remaining hidden for your enemy as long as possible. Remember that in order to concentrate your burst mass in one zone, and hence having a greater chance to destroy the enemy plane (module; i.e., wings, tail) in one pass, you should open fire according to the gun targeting distance you are using, being a good setup from 300 m to 500 m.

With your 6 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons you will be able to shoot down almost every enemy aircraft on your gunsight. However, always check the surroundings before attacking, you dont want to get swarmed after engaging with an enemy. You have to remember that most enemy aircraft, save bombers, are faster and turn better than you. Therefore, you need to choose your targets wisely.

If everything mentioned before goes wrong and you end up with an enemy, or in the worst case, multiple of them going after you, you still have one chance to get out of that situation alive and it is your dorsal turret. The plane is equipped with a 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and, when used correctly, it can pose a serious threat to most enemy fighters tailing you.

It is recommended to perform evasive manoeuvres and wait until the enemy behind you gets in a range of <500 m, practically point blank. Therefore you will have an easier time leading your bullets in the enemy direction; when successfully hitting an enemy at this range it will just take a couple of direct hits to set the bandit on fire, or if you get a good shot at his wings, send him down immediately.

Counter-tactics

Do not head-on this plane, the 6 x 20 mm cannons will most likely destroy your plane and do not underestimate the defensive cannon. Armed with minengeschoß belts, the nose-mounted cannons can easily cut your wings or set you on fire.

It is best to attack this plane from below since the deffensive 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon won't be able to aim lower than just a few degrees below the tail. Keep also in mind that even a P-47 can outturn it, so if an SM.91 gets behind you, force him to turn and make it lose energy.

If you are flying an aircraft with decent performance in vertical manoeuvres, force the SM.91 to fight on the vertical. Due to the deficient acceleration capacity combined with a bad performance when going vertical, you will most likely get guns on target rather easily with this tactic.

Manual Engine Control

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

The SM.91 has a very forgiving MEC, therefore don't worry about killing your engine and try different settings according to the maps conditions.

As a general setting you can: set the water and oil radiator at 30%, it will be a long time before cooling off is needed if using 100% throttle, however if WEP is engaged then you will need to open both radiators up to 45%; propeller pitch set at 100% when climbing and lower it to 85%-90% when going horizontal.

If the engines take damage, it will usually be only one of them. That said, the SM.91 is able to fly with only one of its engines working. However, try to extend its life span or even keep the engine alive until you are back at the airfield to repair.

In order to do this, set the damaged engine (or both, if that's the case) as follows: water and oil radiator at a 100%, propeller pitch at 0% to 30% depending if you really need a boost to, for example, get over a hill; and throttle to 50%.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Devastating armament: 6 x centre-mounted 20 mm MG 151 cannons will make quick work of any aircraft
  • Great for head-ons
  • Main armament has a large ammo capacity
  • Gets an attacker spawn (AB/RB)
  • 20 mm MG 151 cannon in the back turret
  • Surprisingly good turn rate
  • Can act as a powerful interceptor
  • Made entirely out of metal, so it can take some punishment.
  • Fuel tanks are self-sealing

Cons:

  • Tail is prone to snapping when under fire
  • No armour protection
  • Big target
  • Lack of bulletproof glass means pilot is susceptible to getting knocked out, especially in head-ons
  • Wings are littered with fuel tanks
  • Carrying the largest payload has a noticeable effect on performance
  • High tendency to flip forwards upon landing when braking

History

In 1942, the Regia Aeronautica requested a new, long range aircraft that was to be powered by the German DB 601 Inline Inverted V12, carry an 800 kg bomb load, have 6 x 20 mm main armament and a single 20 mm rear cannon. Savoia-Marchetti had previously worked on the SM.88 heavy fighter and the request for a long range fighter disqualified the 88, as it only had a 1,250 L fuel capacity. SM started to work on a new fighter named the SM.91 that was made entirely out of metal, had 6 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (7 if you count the rear gunner) provided by Germany, was powered by two DB 605 engines and had a range of 1,600 km with a 1,600 L fuel capacity that could be enlarged to 1,800 L with auxiliary tanks.

The two prototypes that were produced made their maiden flight on the 11th of May, 1943 and logged 27 hours at Vergiate. However, it was never entered into the official trials, mainly due to it still being in testing. The first prototype was captured and sent to Germany, and the second prototype was presumed to have been destroyed by bombers.

Media

Skins
Videos
Best twin-boom aircraft discusses the SM.91 at 03:11 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

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 strike aircraft
  Ba.65 (K.14) L · Breda 88 (P.XI) · F.C.20 Bis · P.108A serie 2
  Ro.57 Quadriarma · SM.91 · SM.92
Hungary  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · ◔IL-10
Romania  Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)

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