Savoia-Marchetti S.59
| Industry | Aerospace, Aircraft manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1920s |
| Headquarters | Italy |
The Savoia-Marchetti S.59 was an Italian reconnaissance and bomber flying boat developed during the 1920s by Savoia-Marchetti for use by the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force).
Development
Conceived as a modernized successor to the Savoia S.16, the S.59 was intended for deployment within the Regia Aeronautica’s maritime patrol units. This biplane flying boat featured two adjacent cockpits situated ahead of the wings, along with a lower cockpit equipped with a 7.7 mm (.303 in) Lewis Gun. The initial prototype, powered by a 268 kW (360 hp) Rolls-Royce Eagle engine, completed its maiden flight in 1925. Despite this, it was found to be underpowered, prompting production models—totaling 40—to be fitted with a more robust 298 kW (400 hp) Lorraine-Dietrich 12Db V12 engine; however, performance improvements remained limited. The first of these production aircraft entered service in 1926.
To address performance constraints, the subsequent variant, designated S.59bis, was equipped with a stronger 380 kW (510 hp) Isotta Fraschini Asso 500 engine. Production included 82 units by Savoia-Marchetti, alongside 50 each manufactured by CANT and Macchi, all delivered by 1930. Notably, in 1928, the Regia Aeronautica conducted an impressive formation flight involving 51 S.59 aircraft over the western Mediterranean.
Throughout its operational life, some examples were retrofitted with Handley Page leading edge slats on the upper wing to enhance flight characteristics. The S.59 was phased out from frontline roles by 1937 and reassigned primarily to training functions.
The aircraft also saw export success, with ten units supplied to Argentina and eight to Romania. Additionally, a civilian version known as the S.59P was developed, featuring an enclosed cabin accommodating two crew members and four passengers.
One particular aircraft named Buenos Aires gained fame for completing a notable flight from New York to Buenos Aires in 1926.
In Argentina, an S.59bis was operated by the company TAXI AEREI in 1928 before being sold to Paraguay’s Naval Aviation in 1929 as serial R.1. This aircraft participated actively in the Chaco War and remained in service until 1942.
Variants
- S.59 Prototype
- An initial model powered by a 268 kW (360 hp) Rolls-Royce Eagle V-12 engine.
- S.59
- The series production version equipped with a 298 kW (400 hp) Lorraine-Dietrich 12Db V-12 engine; 40 units manufactured.
- S.59bis
- A modified version featuring a 380 kW (510 hp) Isotta Fraschini Asso 500 V-12 engine, with 182 aircraft produced.
- S.59P
- A civilian configuration including an enclosed cabin designed to accommodate two crew members and four passengers.
Operators
Specifications (S.59bis)
See also
References
- ↑ David W. Wragg, Jane's Air Forces of the World: The History and Composition of the World's Air Forces, Collins, 2003, p. 152
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- Sapienza Fracchia, Antonio Luis: "La Contribución Italiana en la Aviación Paraguaya". Author's edition. Asunción, 2007. 300 pp.
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