Difference between revisions of "S.M.79 serie 8"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = S.M.79 (Family)
 
| link = S.M.79 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=sm_79_1939_italy
 
|code=sm_79_1939_italy
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], though a variant existed in the Germany aircraft tech tree prior to the update.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], though a [[S.M.79_serie_8_(Germany)|variant]] existed in the [[:Category:Germany_aircraft|German aircraft tech tree]] prior to the update. The only readily apparent difference between the serie 8 and the [[S.M.79 serie 1]] is the ability to activate WEP, as well as an improved dorsal turret allowing for a slightly higher vertical firing arc.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 58: Line 58:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 325 || 325 || 220 || ~3 || ~2
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 313 || 298 || 220 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 96: Line 96:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)}}
+
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
 
* 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
−
* 12 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
+
* 12 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (1,200 kg total)
 
* 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
 
* 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
* 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
Line 117: Line 117:
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The S.M.79 serie 8 is an interesting aircraft to fly - it has a decent amount of survivability and defensive armament, but carries less bombs than its peers.
 +
 
 +
'''Air battles:'''
 +
 
 +
In air battles, the S.M.79 should be used as a traditional base bomber - it is decent at this role, being able to take out at least one base using its bomb load. At the start of the map, run straight for the bases. There is no need to climb, as most fighters at this BR will struggle to climb to the S.M.79's altitude. When arriving at the base, switch to the bomb sight and drop your bomb load - the 250 kg bombs are the most effective against bases, as three will be enough for a base. The 500 kg bombs cannot always kill a base in one shot, meaning that the 250 kg bombs are usually the better option. Once you've dropped your load, head back to base and grab some more; the S.M.79 is very ineffective without its payload.
 +
 
 +
In the case that you are being pursued by an enemy fighter, do not fear! The S.M.79 has a decent defensive armament for its BR. You have access to two 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, one dorsal and one ventral, as well as two beam-mounted 7.7 mm Lewis guns. The 12.7 mm guns are quite effective and can easily take out an engine or pilot-snipe. Thus, when being pursued, bait the enemy onto your six, and fire at them with the Breda guns. Don't attempt to outmanoeuvre any fighters - it will never happen, given the S.M.79's poor manoeuvrability. As well, the S.M.79 is quite fast for a bomber and can even outrun some fighters! When being shot at, diving away is another great option.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground battles:'''
 +
 
 +
The S.M.79 is a great early ground-pounder for ground battles, being equipped with a large amount of bombs. In this playstyle, the GP 500 bombs are by far the most effective, as they pack a large amount of explosives and can easily take out a cluster of tanks at a choke point - a capture point, for example. When attacking, approach low (don't forget to set a bomb fuse delay), drop, and pull out. As well, beware of any enemy SPAAs as they can tear the S.M.79's fuselage apart - thus, staying low when flying back to base is a good option, as it keeps the S.M.79 out of the range of enemy SPAAs. Against enemy fighters, use the tactics listed above - the S.M.79 is quite effective at its BR in terms of defensive armament.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 156: Line 167:
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
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 SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73.  The SM.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.''
+
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. ''
+
Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel and 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-clad (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 SM.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 SM.73 / S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.''
+
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''
+
'''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 SM.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 12.7mm Breda-SAFT MG instead of a turret.  A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7mm 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.''
+
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-SAFAT 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 SM.79 in world.''
+
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 defences. 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 into the 1950s and are the last 2 remaining S.M.79 in world.
  
 
== 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
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sm_79_1939_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== 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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
*[[S.M.79 (Family)]]
 +
**[[S.M.79 serie 8 (Germany)]]
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/428095-sm79-sparviero-serie-8-1939/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer SM}}
 
{{AirManufacturer SM}}
 
{{Italy bombers}}
 
{{Italy bombers}}

Latest revision as of 14:47, 5 July 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Italian bomber S.M.79 serie 8. For other versions, see S.M.79 (Family).
S.M.79 serie 8
sm_79_1939_italy.png
GarageImage S.M.79 serie 8.jpg
ArtImage S.M.79 serie 8.png
S.M.79 serie 8
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.0 2.3
Class:
Research:3 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The S.M.79 Sparviero serie 8 (1939) is a rank I Italian bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB/RB) and 2.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica", though a variant existed in the German aircraft tech tree prior to the update. The only readily apparent difference between the serie 8 and the S.M.79 serie 1 is the ability to activate WEP, as well as an improved dorsal turret allowing for a slightly higher vertical firing arc.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 000 m430 km/h
Turn time31 s
Max altitude6 800 m
Engine3 х Alfa Romeo 126 RC 34
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 414 400 6800 32.7 33.6 4.2 4.1 450
Upgraded 447 430 30.7 31.6 7.9 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 + -
530 300 313 298 220 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 270 < 270 > 290

Survivability and armour

Crew5 people
Speed of destruction
Structural530 km/h
Gear300 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in each wing, 1 in the fuselage)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB323 → 445 Sl icon.png
RB500 → 689 Sl icon.png
SB803 → 1 108 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 920 Rp icon.png
4 480 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 110 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
safat12_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP250
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat12_turret_new_gun
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
lewis_turret_new_gun
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP500
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
240 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 112.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition350 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)

The S.M.79 serie 8 is armed with:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal-mounted (350 rpg)

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
Main articles: GP 50 (50 kg), GP 100T (100 kg), GP 250 (250 kg), GP 500 (500 kg)

The S.M.79 serie 8 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
  • 12 x 100 kg GP 100T 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
Ammunition485 rounds
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main articles: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm), Lewis (7.7 mm)

The S.M.79 serie 8 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 (485 rpg)

Usage in battles

The S.M.79 serie 8 is an interesting aircraft to fly - it has a decent amount of survivability and defensive armament, but carries less bombs than its peers.

Air battles:

In air battles, the S.M.79 should be used as a traditional base bomber - it is decent at this role, being able to take out at least one base using its bomb load. At the start of the map, run straight for the bases. There is no need to climb, as most fighters at this BR will struggle to climb to the S.M.79's altitude. When arriving at the base, switch to the bomb sight and drop your bomb load - the 250 kg bombs are the most effective against bases, as three will be enough for a base. The 500 kg bombs cannot always kill a base in one shot, meaning that the 250 kg bombs are usually the better option. Once you've dropped your load, head back to base and grab some more; the S.M.79 is very ineffective without its payload.

In the case that you are being pursued by an enemy fighter, do not fear! The S.M.79 has a decent defensive armament for its BR. You have access to two 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, one dorsal and one ventral, as well as two beam-mounted 7.7 mm Lewis guns. The 12.7 mm guns are quite effective and can easily take out an engine or pilot-snipe. Thus, when being pursued, bait the enemy onto your six, and fire at them with the Breda guns. Don't attempt to outmanoeuvre any fighters - it will never happen, given the S.M.79's poor manoeuvrability. As well, the S.M.79 is quite fast for a bomber and can even outrun some fighters! When being shot at, diving away is another great option.

Ground battles:

The S.M.79 is a great early ground-pounder for ground battles, being equipped with a large amount of bombs. In this playstyle, the GP 500 bombs are by far the most effective, as they pack a large amount of explosives and can easily take out a cluster of tanks at a choke point - a capture point, for example. When attacking, approach low (don't forget to set a bomb fuse delay), drop, and pull out. As well, beware of any enemy SPAAs as they can tear the S.M.79's fuselage apart - thus, staying low when flying back to base is a good option, as it keeps the S.M.79 out of the range of enemy SPAAs. Against enemy fighters, use the tactics listed above - the S.M.79 is quite effective at its BR in terms of defensive armament.

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:

  • Hard-hitting 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine guns.
  • Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition.
  • Good speed.
  • Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks.
  • Capable of carrying 500 kg bombs, unlike the He 111 H-3 or Do 17 Z-2.

Cons:

  • Very limited bomb payload compared to the He 111 H-3 which has 1,250 kg max.
  • Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover.
  • No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect.
  • Lacks armour protection for the crew.
  • Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs.

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 and 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-clad (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-SAFAT 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 defences. 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 into the 1950s and are the last 2 remaining S.M.79 in world.

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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

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