Savoia Marchetti S.55

Savoia Marchetti S.55
Country	Italia
Role	Flying boat
First flight	August 1924
Built	240+

The Savoia-Marchetti S.55 was a double-hulled flying boat produced in Italy, beginning in 1924. Shortly after its introduction, it began setting records for speed, payload, altitude and range.

Source: Savoia Marchetti S.55on Wikipedia

Savoia Marchetti S.55 (Jahu) Walk Around
Photographer	Peter Booij
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	60

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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)
Role	Long-Range Transport, Maritime Reconnaissance
National Origin	Kingdom of Italy
Manufacturer	Savoia-Marchetti
First Flight	August 1924
Crew	2 to 5 (depending on mission)
Capacity	12 passengers (or equivalent cargo/bombs)
Length	16.50 m (54 ft 2 in)
Wingspan	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.
The “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.