Operational Service
The aircraft flew in 1941, but it was not until September 1942 before the aircraft was sent to Guidonia for evaluation tests. The aircraft was taken into use in March 1943, seeing service in the anti-tank and other roles. The results were quite good, seen the firepower that it had, second only to P.108A.
The real problem about the S.89 was the power and the reliability of the engines. 2,237 kW (3,000 hp) was not enough for the 12,600 kg (27,780 lb) aircraft. It was planned to install Piaggio P.XV or Alfa Romeo 135 engines on the aircraft, but this never took place.
The pilots found the aircraft to be difficult to fly, being too slow, and difficult to land. During flight, the aircraft needed to have an elevated angle of attack, so as not to lose altitude. The aircraft was later forgotten and sent to Foligno in July 1943. It was captured by Germans after 8 September 1943 and vanished.
The aircraft could possibly have been more successful had it carried less weapons or armour. Both combined caused the weight to surpass 12,000 kg (26,460 lb). The attempt to cover both the attack and even interception requirements made this aircraft even less reliable and flyable than the already mediocre S.84.
Read more about this topic: Savoia-Marchetti SM.89
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