Performance
With a total of 1,305-1,752 kW (1,750-2,350 hp) the SM.81 was well served, even if individually the engines were underpowered. The maximum speed with the AR.125 engine was 340 km/h (210 mph), with others it was from 320–347 km/h (200-216 mph). Cruise speed at its best was 260 km/h (160 mph), but there were reported values of up to 330 km/h (205 mph). The extra power of many engine-sets was valuable in high and hot conditions, but their larger diameter was sometimes enough to reduce maximum speed by adding more drag. Even so, the aircraft was faster than the Junkers Ju 52, its most direct equivalent.
Even with the same or even greater fuel load than the SM.79, the SM.81 had a shorter range. It had a maximum 2,000 km (1,240 mi) endurance in normal conditions. The ferry range to Spain in 1936 was an example of the relatively short range of the aircraft, perhaps caused (as was the low speed) by drag.
Given the 3,799 kg (8,375 lb) useful load, with the maximum 2,400 kg (5,290 lb) of fuel on board, the bomb load was reduced to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), with a range of around 600–700 km (370-440 mi), depending on the type of engines. With a full (2,000 kg/4,410 lb) bomb load, its ferry range was only 460 km (290 mi), while its combat range was 640 km (400 mi).
Read more about this topic: Propulsion Systems Of The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81
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