Difference between revisions of "S.M.79 B"

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{{Specs-Card|code=sm_79_iar_italy}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = S.M.79 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=sm_79_iar_italy
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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}}''' was an Italian-made medium bomber which served in the Romanian air force. In 1936, Romania showed interest in the Italian Savoia-Marchetti 79 triple-engined bomber, and asked the manufacturer if they could develop a twin-engined version. The work on the aircraft finished in 1939. Unlike the regular S.M.79, the S.M.79B had two locally built licensed versions of the French Gnome-Rhône K14 radial engine, which also powered the Romanian IAR-80 fighter. The nose section was redesigned, with the typical hump housing the forward-facing 12.7 mm machine gun being removed and the cockpit positioned above the fuselage, offering better all-around view compared to the base S.M.79. The nose received a glazing, improving the bombardier's view, and the tail was slightly enlarged. Due to having two engines, both climb rate and speed were decreased compared to the regular S.M.79. A total of 24 aircraft were ordered, later on another 80 were made locally by IAR, using German Jumo 211 engines.
 +
 
 +
The S.M.79B was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. The bomb load of the twin-engined version is same as their triple-engined counterpart, however the S.M.79B is notably slower, with worse climb rate and no offensive weaponry. The aircraft has no weaponry to defend against frontal attacks, and the angles the defensive weaponry can fire around the aircraft are very bad. Only the dorsal 12.7 mm machine gun features very good vertical angle of fire. The aircraft features very good horizontal and vertical manoeuvrability due to its large elevator surface area, however the elevator stiffens above 390 km/h.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,700 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 425 || 413 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.2 || 37.3 || 3.9 || 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 580
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 466 || 445 || 33.9 || 35.0 || 8.4 || 5.9
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 457 || 428 || 280 || ~4 || ~2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 307
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
The plane has no armour and the pilot has no protection at all, making the pilot easily to knock out in head-on attacks. The fuel tanks are self-sealing and they are located close to the central airframe so you can take some shots on the wings and won't get on fire. There is no frontal gunner, leaving the bomber exposed to frontal attacks.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
=== Suspended armament ===
+
* 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
* 12 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
 +
* 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
+
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
It is a bomber with a decent climb rate for the BR, allowing you to easily get above fighters. In most scenarios, you will eventually be intercepted at the end of the battle. Try outrunning climbing enemy fighters at high altitude, since most fighters at the BR will see their performance drastically reduced at high altitude. If you face a interceptor like the MiG-3 or the P-38, it is better to turn back to base or seek allied cover.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
'''Pros:'''
+
* Great bomb load making you capable of taking down 2 bases
*
+
* Decent speed for the BR and makes you capable to outrun an enemy climbing towards you
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Really poor defensive armament
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Crew is easily knocked out
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922 Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.
 +
 
 +
You probably saw the very similar looking Italian S.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The S.M.79 was new passenger version based on the planform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.
 +
 
 +
Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood! The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin cladded (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane's construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.
 +
 
 +
To make the S.M.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the S.M.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.
 +
 
 +
''Sparviero goes to war''
 +
 
 +
The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose-mounted engine, the S.M.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname "il gobbo maledetto" ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.
 +
 
 +
From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defenses. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well in the 1950's and are the last 2 remaining S.M.79 in world.
 +
 
 +
Romania wanted a 2-engine Gnome-Rhone version, which S.M. provided. The entire forward cockpit was rearranged, pilots in tandem, and a large glass nose for the bombardier, the original ventral location replaced with a streamlined front. The weight savings from one less engine and all its wires, tubes controls, and extra fuel tank offset most of the performance loss of one engine, however it was more vulnerable to damage and engine issues. Unsatisfied with the poor performing Gnome-Rhone engines, Romania had a number built with the Jumo 211 engine.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sm_79_iar_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
== Read 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
*[[S.M.79 (Family)]]
 +
**[[S.M.79 B (Germany)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
== Sources ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/428092-sm79b-romania/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer SM}}
 +
{{Italy bombers}}

Latest revision as of 14:44, 5 July 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Italian bomber S.M.79 B. For other versions, see S.M.79 (Family).
sm_79_iar_italy.png
GarageImage S.M.79 B.jpg
S.M.79 B
Research:6 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The S.M.79 Sparviero B (1936) was an Italian-made medium bomber which served in the Romanian air force. In 1936, Romania showed interest in the Italian Savoia-Marchetti 79 triple-engined bomber, and asked the manufacturer if they could develop a twin-engined version. The work on the aircraft finished in 1939. Unlike the regular S.M.79, the S.M.79B had two locally built licensed versions of the French Gnome-Rhône K14 radial engine, which also powered the Romanian IAR-80 fighter. The nose section was redesigned, with the typical hump housing the forward-facing 12.7 mm machine gun being removed and the cockpit positioned above the fuselage, offering better all-around view compared to the base S.M.79. The nose received a glazing, improving the bombardier's view, and the tail was slightly enlarged. Due to having two engines, both climb rate and speed were decreased compared to the regular S.M.79. A total of 24 aircraft were ordered, later on another 80 were made locally by IAR, using German Jumo 211 engines.

The S.M.79B was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica". The bomb load of the twin-engined version is same as their triple-engined counterpart, however the S.M.79B is notably slower, with worse climb rate and no offensive weaponry. The aircraft has no weaponry to defend against frontal attacks, and the angles the defensive weaponry can fire around the aircraft are very bad. Only the dorsal 12.7 mm machine gun features very good vertical angle of fire. The aircraft features very good horizontal and vertical manoeuvrability due to its large elevator surface area, however the elevator stiffens above 390 km/h.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 700 m445 km/h
Turn time35 s
Max altitude7 500 m
Engine2 х IAR 14K II c32
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,700 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 425 413 7500 36.2 37.3 3.9 3.9 580
Upgraded 466 445 33.9 35.0 8.4 5.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
540 300 457 428 280 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 270 < 270 > 307

Survivability and armour

Crew5 people
Speed of destruction
Structural540 km/h
Gear300 km/h

The plane has no armour and the pilot has no protection at all, making the pilot easily to knock out in head-on attacks. The fuel tanks are self-sealing and they are located close to the central airframe so you can take some shots on the wings and won't get on fire. There is no frontal gunner, leaving the bomber exposed to frontal attacks.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 007 → 1 369 Sl icon.png
RB1 626 → 2 211 Sl icon.png
SB2 435 → 3 311 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 740 Rp icon.png
19 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces320 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 150 / 310 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat12_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP250
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
lewis_turret_new_gun
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP500
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 112 x 50 kg GP 50 bomb
Setup 212 x 100 kg GP 100T bomb
Setup 35 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb
Setup 42 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb

The S.M.79 B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
  • 12 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
  • 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)

Defensive armament

2 х Turret12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Lewis machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate551 shots/min

The S.M.79 B is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

It is a bomber with a decent climb rate for the BR, allowing you to easily get above fighters. In most scenarios, you will eventually be intercepted at the end of the battle. Try outrunning climbing enemy fighters at high altitude, since most fighters at the BR will see their performance drastically reduced at high altitude. If you face a interceptor like the MiG-3 or the P-38, it is better to turn back to base or seek allied cover.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great bomb load making you capable of taking down 2 bases
  • Decent speed for the BR and makes you capable to outrun an enemy climbing towards you

Cons:

  • Really poor defensive armament
  • Crew is easily knocked out

History

Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922 Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.

You probably saw the very similar looking Italian S.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The S.M.79 was new passenger version based on the planform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.

Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood! The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin cladded (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane's construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.

To make the S.M.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the S.M.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.

Sparviero goes to war

The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose-mounted engine, the S.M.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname "il gobbo maledetto" ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.

From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defenses. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well in the 1950's and are the last 2 remaining S.M.79 in world.

Romania wanted a 2-engine Gnome-Rhone version, which S.M. provided. The entire forward cockpit was rearranged, pilots in tandem, and a large glass nose for the bombardier, the original ventral location replaced with a streamlined front. The weight savings from one less engine and all its wires, tubes controls, and extra fuel tank offset most of the performance loss of one engine, however it was more vulnerable to damage and engine issues. Unsatisfied with the poor performing Gnome-Rhone engines, Romania had a number built with the Jumo 211 engine.

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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 bombers
Fiat  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Savoia-Marchetti  S.81 · S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 B · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M
CANT  Z.1007 bis serie 3 · Z.1007 bis serie 5
Piaggio  P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2
  Foreign:
Germany  ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 87 D-3
Hungary  ◔Tu-2S-59