Macchi M.C.94

Macchi

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1930s
Founder	Mario Castoldi
Products	Aircraft, including the Macchi M.C.94 flying boat

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The Macchi M.C.94 was an Italian commercial flying boat developed during the 1930s by the manufacturer Macchi.

Development

Conceived by Mario Castoldi, the M.C.94 was intended as a passenger transport flying boat to succeed the aging fleet of CANT 10 aircraft operated by the Italian airline Ala Littoria. Primarily constructed from wood, this aircraft featured a high-wing cantilever monoplane design, equipped with a two-step hull and a single vertical stabilizer with rudder. The initial prototype was an amphibious model fitted with retractable landing gear that folded forward into streamlined housings within the wing leading edges. It was powered by two 574 kilowatts (770 hp) Wright SGR-1820-F Cyclone nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engines mounted above the wings, each driving a propeller in a tractor configuration. Subsequent production models—eleven in total—were configured solely as flying boats. Starting with the seventh unit, the aircraft were equipped with 570 kilowatts (760 hp) Alfa Romeo 126 R.C.10 radial engines. The crew of three operated from an elevated enclosed cockpit, while the main cabin provided seating for twelve passengers.

In 1936, Ala Littoria acquired both the prototype and the first five production versions. The final six production aircraft were not purchased by the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force), and these units were subsequently acquired by Ala Littoria as well.

Operational history

The M.C.94 was introduced into service with Ala Littoria in 1936, primarily operating on routes across the Adriatic. Several units remained active throughout World War II. In 1939, Ala Italia transferred three M.C.94 aircraft to its Argentine affiliate, Corporación Sudamericana de Servicios Aéreos.

In 1937, the prototype achieved multiple international flying boat records, including an altitude milestone of 6,432 metres (21,102 ft) while carrying a payload of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb). It also set a speed record of 248.967 kilometres per hour (154.701 mph) over a 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) closed circuit and another speed record of 257.138 kilometres per hour (159.778 mph) while transporting a 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb) payload over a 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) closed circuit.

Variants

M.C.94 Anfibio

This was the prototype amphibious model equipped with Wright engines.

M.C.94 I

The initial five production models constructed as pure flying boats powered by Wright engines.

M.C.94 II

The last six production aircraft, also flying boats but fitted with Alfa Romeo 126 R.C.10 engines. In 1939, three units were exported to Argentina.

Operators

Template:Country data ARG

Corporación Sudamericana de Servicios Aéreos

A.L.F.A. (Aviación del Litoral Fluvial Argentino)

Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy

Ala Littoria

Regia Aeronautica