History of War

SAVOIA-MARCHETTI SM.79

CRAMPED CREW POSITIONS

The ventral cupola held a rearward facing 12.7mm machine gun, and the bomb aimer’s position. Both were manned by the co-pilot, who had to sit over the bombsight.

TRIMOTOR DESIGN

The distinctive third engine decreased airframe vibration and allowed the aircraft to lose an engine to enemy fire without losing performance.

GUNS FORE AND AFT

The SM.79’s dorsal turret contained a gunner-operated 12.7mm machine gun facing backwards, and a fixed 12.7mm gun fired forwards by the pilot.

OFF-SET BOMB BAY

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