Savoia-Marchetti SM.92

Template:Infobox aircraft

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.92 was an Italian heavy fighter developed during World War II, derived from the Savoia-Marchetti SM.88. Unlike its predecessor, the SM.92 eliminated the central crew nacelle, situating the two-man crew exclusively within the left fuselage. Powered by two DB 605 engines, it was designed to function as a long-range fighter-bomber.

Its armament featured three 20 mm MG 151 cannons—two mounted in the mid-wing and one in the right fuselage—alongside five 12.7 mm machine guns: two positioned beneath each engine and one remotely operated in the tail section. The aircraft could carry a bomb load of up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) beneath the inner wing panels, with additional 160 kg (350 lb) bombs mounted under the outer wings.

Although development efforts increased its top speed, the SM.92 still did not fulfill performance criteria. Its intricate and sophisticated design led to challenges in producing a working prototype. The initial prototype, designated MM.531, conducted its maiden flight in October 1943 and logged over 21 hours of airborne testing.

In March 1944, a friendly fire incident occurred when a Macchi C.205 mistook it for a P-38 Lightning and engaged it. Despite evasive maneuvers allowing it to survive, the damage sustained grounded the aircraft for several months. Ultimately, the SM.92 was destroyed during Allied bombing raids in 1944.

Specifications (SM.92)

File:Savoia Marchetti SM.92 rear.jpg

Rear perspective of SM.92

References

• Lembo, Daniele, I bifusoliera della Regia, Storia militare magazine, Westward editions, no.11, April–May 2000 (in Italian)

External links

• SM.91 & SM.92