CONCLUSION
I hope you have enjoyed my three
part article on building and detailing
the Airfix SM.79 Spaviero.The designation of many Italian military aircraft was stencilled near the tailplane, along with the
serial number. The designation of civilian aircraft was also recorded on the airframe, in the case of
Savoia Marchetti aircraft often on a painted pennant on the nose, “S.79” for example. However, as
here, military S.79s were instead usually badged “SM 79” for reasons that have yet to be explained.
MM24327 was built in 1942, which would probably make this aircraft an S.79, later re-engined with
Alfa Romeo 128s. There are no other indications that this airframe is a full-blown S.79 III/S.79bis –
even the ventral gondola is present – but the fitting of the later engines seems to be sufficient on its
own to draw the later S.79 III conclusion. From the modeller’s viewpoint, however, externally and
apart from the new spinners, this aircraft is essentially configured as a 1941 S.79 bomber. MM24327
was indeed built by Reggiane, one of the wartime production partners.Not a good photograph, but
here the leading-edge slat is
shown extended, right wing.
These Handley-Page slats
had automatic operation with
the landing flaps; if the slats
are extended so normally will
be the flaps. Photographs
of wartime aircraft on the
ground with slats and flaps
extended are not common.Underneath the tailplane. The space between the attachment points for the support struts is
bridged by a wide rib. The control surfaces, fin, tailplanes, and middle and rear fuselage were fabric
covered.MM24327 has been finished as 278-2 of 278 Squadriglia, 132 Gruppo. 132 Gruppo was formed from 278 and 281 Squadriglie in April 1942, but 278 Sq had previously been active for 18 months as an
independent Squadriglia. By 1942, most of the colourful unit badges previously worn by S.79s had disappeared, but it appears that at least some 278 Sq. machines continued to wear the “four-cats-on-a-
torpedo” until at least spring 1942. The white shape on the inside of the fuselage side windows is a mystery, but it is definitely not normal!This is the trailing edge landing flap hinge, left
wing, outboard of the left engine nacelle.WWW.SAMPUBLICATIONS.COM • MARCH 2018 • 85
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