Macchi M.C.72 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Role | Seaplane racing aircraft |
| First flight | July 1931 |
| Built | 5 |
The Macchi M.C. 72 is an experimental seaplane designed and built by the Italian aircraft company Macchi Aeronautica. The M.C. 72 held the world speed record for all aircraft for five years. In 1933 and 1934 it set world speed records for piston engine-powered seaplanes; the latter still stands.
Source: Macchi M.C.72 on Wikipedia
| Macchi M72 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographers | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 33 |
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General Characteristics
The **Macchi M.C.72** was an Italian racing floatplane designed by Mario Castoldi to compete in the Schneider Trophy competition. Though it never raced, it became legendary for setting the **absolute world speed record** for a piston-powered seaplane, a record that **still stands** today.
| Property | Value (Record-Setting Configuration) |
|---|---|
| Role | Experimental Racing Seaplane |
| Manufacturer | Aeronautica Macchi |
| First Flight | July 1931 |
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Configuration | Low-wing monoplane, twin floats |
| Maximum Take-Off Weight | Approx. 3,031 kg (6,682 lb) |
| Wingspan | 9.48 m (31 ft 1 in) |
Powerplant and Design
- Engine: One Fiat AS.6 liquid-cooled, supercharged 24-cylinder V-engine.
- Power Output: Approx. 2,126 kW (2,850 hp) to 3,100 hp. The engine was essentially two coupled V-12 units.
- Propellers: Unique contra-rotating fixed-pitch propellers, used to cancel out the massive engine torque.
- Cooling System: Featured a complex system of surface radiators integrated into the wings and floats to minimize drag.
- Construction: The forward fuselage was metal, while the aft fuselage was a monocoque wooden structure.
⚡ Performance and Record
- Absolute Speed Record: 709.209 km/h (440.681 mph), set on October 23, 1934, piloted by Warrant Officer Francesco Agello.
- Status: This remains the fastest speed ever achieved by a piston-engined seaplane.
- Armament: None, as it was a purely experimental racing aircraft.
- Historical Note: The M.C.72 suffered from multiple mechanical defects and the loss of two test pilots before successfully setting the record.
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