Operational History Of The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81
The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 first saw combat during the Second Italo-Abyssinian War, where it showed itself to be versatile, serving as a bomber, transport and reconnaissance aircraft. SM.81s also fought in the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria and were among the first aircraft sent by the fascist powers to aid Francisco Franco.
In spite of their obsolescence, when Italy became involved in the Second World War, approximately 300 SM.81s were in service with the Regia Aeronautica. Its low speed and vulnerability to fighter aircraft meant that daytime duties were second line, with the aircraft being used primarily as a transport. At night, the SM.81 was an effective bomber, particularly in the North African theatre.
Most SM.81s were withdrawn from use by the time of the Italian armistice of 1943, although some remained in service of both the Italian Social Republic and the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force.
Several examples survived the war and went on to serve the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, but by 1950 they had all been retired.
Read more about Operational History Of The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81: Early History, Spanish Civil War, Further Developments, The Late 1930s and World War II, References
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