Savoia Marchetti S.55 | |
|---|---|
| Pays | Italia |
| Rôle | Bateau volant |
| Premier vol | En août 1924 |
| Construit | Plus de 240 |
Lla Savoia-Marchetti S.55 était un bateau volant à double coque produit en Italie, à partir de 1924. Peu de temps après son introduction, il a commencé à établir des records de vitesse, de charge utile, d’altitude et de portée.
| Savoia Marchetti S.55 (Jahu) Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Peter Booij |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 60 |
Voir aussi :
General Characteristics and Role
The Savoia-Marchetti S.55 was a unique and revolutionary Italian twin-hulled flying boat developed in the 1920s. Its distinctive design featured two separate boat-like hulls, a thick, high-mounted parasol wing, and engines mounted high above the wing in a tandem (push-pull) configuration. This configuration was intended to keep the propellers clear of water spray. The S.55 was primarily designed as a long-range transport and reconnaissance flying boat. It achieved international fame and recognition for its numerous record-breaking flights, including transatlantic crossings and mass formation flights, which demonstrated the reliability and range of Italian aviation.
| Property | Typical Value (S.55A) |
|---|---|
| Rôle | Long-Range Transport, Maritime Reconnaissance |
| National Origin | Kingdom of Italy |
| Fabricant | Savoia-Marchetti |
| First Flight | En août 1924 |
| Crew | 2 to 5 (depending on mission) |
| Capacité | 12 passengers (or equivalent cargo/bombs) |
| Length | 16.50 m (54 ft 2 in) |
| Envergure | 24.00 m (78 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 5.00 m (16 ft 5 in) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 7,000 kg (15,432 lb) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engine: Typically 2 x Isotta Fraschini Asso 750 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engines (various engines used across variants).
- Power Output (Total): 2 x 560 kW (750 hp) (S.55X model used 800 hp engines).
- Maximum Speed: 279 km/h (173 mph; 151 kn).
- Cruise Speed: 240 km/h (150 mph; 130 kn).
- Range: 3,500 km (2,200 mi; 1,900 nmi).
- Key Feature: The tandem engine placement (one pusher, one tractor) on the central strut was designed to improve efficiency and reduce water interference.
Record Flights and Legacy
- Transatlantic Success: The S.55 achieved worldwide fame, most notably through flights led by Italian aviator and Air Minister Italo Balbo.
- Lla « Crociera Aerea del Decennale »: In 1933, Balbo led a formation of 24 S.55X flying boats from Rome to Chicago (via Iceland and Newfoundland) and back, a stunning display of long-range formation flying and reliability.
- Design Principle: The split-hull design concentrated the mass near the water line for stability, while the elevated wing and tail boom structure kept them clear of the spray.
- Operational Use: Served with the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force) for patrol and bombing duties until the mid-1930s.
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