Macchi M.19

Macchi

Industry	Aircraft manufacturing
Headquarters	Italy

The Macchi M.19 was an Italian single-seat racing flying boat from the 1920s, developed and constructed by Macchi specifically for the 1920 edition of the Schneider Trophy competition.

Development

Derived from the earlier Macchi M.17 racing model, the M.19 took to the skies for the first time in August 1920. It was engineered to comply with a new regulation in the Schneider Trophy contest requiring each aircraft to carry a disposable load of 300 kg (660 lb). This single-seat biplane flying boat featured a 490 kW (650 hp) Fiat A.14 V12 engine mounted on struts above the upper wing, powering a four-blade propeller arranged in a tractor layout.

Initial flight trials revealed significant torque effects caused by the engine's power, necessitating modifications to both the hull and rudder designs. These adjustments delayed its participation, resulting in the M.19 missing the 1920 Schneider race. When the weight restriction was eased the following year, the M.19 entered the 1921 competition alongside two Macchi M.7 aircraft. However, it was forced to withdraw after completing twelve laps due to a broken crankshaft that ruptured a fuel line, igniting a fire onboard.