Italy's BRUTAL Record-Breaking Torpedo Bomber of WW2 | Savoia Marchetti SM 79 Italian

Savoia Marchetti SM 79 Italian

In August 1942, as the conflict between the Allies and the Axis powers over the Mediterranean Sea reached its height, the British Royal Navy launched one of the most formidable operations to resupply the besieged island of Malta. While under constant bombardment, Malta served as Britain's primary base in the central Mediterranean, allowing the Royal Navy to launch repeated submarine strikes against Axis convoys going for North Africa. But there was one plane that wouldn’t let them sail easily, the Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 torpedo bombers. It heavily impeded Operation Pedestal from the start, damaging British supply ships and escorts.

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero was a medium bomber used by the Italian air force during World War Two. The Sparviero, which means Sparrowhawk __ had three Alfa Romeo engines and a fuselage of wood and metal. First taken to the skies in 1934, this aircraft was purpose-built for commercial use. The plane's unusual dorsal hump on its fuselage made it instantly recognisable, and the crews enjoyed it.

It earned a reputation at odds with other Italian weaponry of the time, yet it was nonetheless the most significant Italian bomber of World War II. Although Sparviero saw extensive service in the conventional bombing role, the type really merits its place in the annals of military aviation history for its work as a land-based torpedo bomber. It was a combat torpedo bomber that served with honour and was flown with bravery and skill, and it was considered by many to be one of the finest torpedo bombers of the battle.

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