S.M. 79 Sparviero

The S.79 Sparviero was created and manufactured in the 1930s by Italian company SIAI-Marchetti initially as a civilian aircraft, which then went on to achieve significant world speed records during this period. Featuring a typical three-engine low-wing configuration, it had a wood, canvas and metal frame.

Subsequently reconfigured into military variants, it was widely used by the Italian Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War, particularly as a bomber in the Mediterranean theatre and then as an effective torpedo bomber. Recognizable by the "hump" behind the cockpit and due to its three 750 HP Alfa Romeo 126 RC34 radial engines, it was capable of reaching a top speed of 430 km/h.

In its basic bomber role it was superseded by many other more modern aircraft, however the "Sparviero" for the entire duration of the conflict achieved significant results in the hands of its skilled crews during torpedo maritime operations in which it attacked enemy shipping.