Macchi M.7
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alessandro Tonini |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Macchi M.7 was an Italian single-seat fighter flying boat developed by Alessandro Tonini and produced by Macchi. An enhanced variant, the M.7bis, secured victory in the 1921 Schneider Trophy race.
Development
The M.7 bore resemblance to the preceding M.5 but featured a redesigned hull and was equipped with an Isotta Fraschini V.6 powerplant. Following the conclusion of World War I, only 17 units were delivered to the Italian Navy. Subsequently, in 1919, two aircraft were exported to Argentina, four to Sweden, and in 1921, Brazil acquired three.
In 1920, Tonini introduced the M.7bis, a specialized racing adaptation of the M.7 intended for the Schneider Trophy competition. This version incorporated a lighter airframe and wings with reduced span. During the 1921 Venice race, five M.7s participated, with Giovanni di Briganti piloting the M.7bis to victory. At the 1922 Naples event, the M.7bis achieved a fourth-place finish.
By 1923, an updated model known as the M.7ter was developed, featuring a newly designed hull, modified wing arrangement, and an altered tail assembly. Three distinct variants of the M.7ter were produced, including the M.7ter AR, which was fitted with folding wings to facilitate operations from the seaplane carrier Giuseppe Miraglia. In 1924, six Italian naval squadrons operated the M.7ter, with total production exceeding 100 units. The aircraft remained in use within civilian flight training schools as late as 1940.
Operators
Existing examples
Only one Macchi M.7 remains today. Constructed in Italy circa 1918, this aircraft served with the Swedish Air Force between 1921 and 1927. It is currently exhibited at the Swedish Air Force Museum featuring Swedish markings.
Specifications (M.7ter)
See also
References
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