Macchi M.3
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| Macchi M.3 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Biplane flying boat |
| Manufacturer | Macchi |
| Maiden flight | 1916 |
| Retired | 1924 |
| Primary user | Italian Navy |
| Number built | 200 |
| Developed from | Macchi L.2 |
The Macchi L.3 or later Macchi M.3 was an Italian biplane flying boats developed from the earlier Macchi L.2.
[edit] Development
The company had learnt about flying boat design from copying an Austrian flying boat to produce the Macchi L.1 and improving it to produce the Macchi L.2. The result was the L.3, which was renamed the M.3 in 1917 to recognise the change in design from Lohner influenced to a Macchi design. Only the unequal-span biplane wings were inherited from the L.2 a new and refined hull and strut-mounted tailplane were designed. Powered by a single Isotta-Fraschini engine strut mounted between the two wings and driving a pusher propeller. It was armed with a single machine-gun on a trainable mounting and could also carry four light bombs. In 1916 one aircraft gained the world altitude record for a seaplane when it climbed to 5400m (17,717ft) in 41 minutes.
[edit] Operational history
Over 200 M.3s were built and delivered to the Italian Navy and were used on a variety of missions which including bombing, reconniassance, patrol and escort. For a short period in 1917 it was also used as a fighter. Several aircraft were used in commando-style operations behind Austrian-lines. The aircraft were highly regarded by the Italian Navy and they were used on bombing raids and pioneered the Italian use of aerial photography. After the war the type was used by training units until 1924.
A number of second-hand aircraft were used by the Swiss company Ad Astra Aero to carry out charters and joy rides on the Swiss lakes, the two passengers were seated side-by-side behind a large windscreen with the pilot in a raised open cockpit further aft.
[edit] Operators
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- Ad Astra Aero
[edit] Specifications (M.3)
Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing, 2392.
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Wingspan: 15.95 m (52 ft 4 in)
- Gross weight: 1350 kg (2976 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Isotta-Fraschini V.4B, 119 kW (160 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 144 km/h (90 mph)
- Range: 385 km (239 miles)
Armament
- 1 x Fiat machine-gun or a light canon
- 4 x light bombs
Related lists
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing, 2392.
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