The Sparviero ("Sparrowhawk") was a super-fast dive bomber, strafing then bombing targets. Its speed meant enemy aircraft could not even touch it, and its retreat back to the airfield will be unscathed. Considering the Sparvieros' expense, the player usually formed squadrons with the P108 and Veltro escorts. This plane can not turn well though and is very lightly armored.
History[]
The Savoia Marchetti SM.79 is probably the most recognizable aircraft to serve in the Italian Air Force during World War II. While it was officially named 'Sparviero' (Sparrow Hawk), it was also known as the 'Gobbo' (Hunchback) due to its unique silhouette. Its designers followed the same design philosophy as other international civil aircraft designers of the era including Junkers and Ford - three engines provide a good balance between performance and safety.
Originally designed as a civil transport, the SM.79-I set records in international competitions during the mid-1930s. The SM.79-I was powered by three 750 hp Alfa Romeo engines. In the late 1930s, the Italian Air Force began receiving the SM.79-II powered by three 1,000 hp Piaggio P.XI RC.40 engines. One additional domestic variant was produced - the SM.79-III that was essentially an SM.79-II with a forward-firing 20mm cannon and no ventral gondola. Over 1,300 Sparvieros were produced through 1944.
The SM.79 was used as a bomber and transport during the Italian alliance with Nazi Germany, but it gained its 'fame' as a torpedo bomber in the Mediterranean. The Sparviero was responsible for sinking several Royal Navy destroyers and the heavy damaging of a battleship and the aircraft carriers Indomitable, Victorious and Eagle.
Strategy[]
This section is a stub, so be patient and expand it.
Pros & Cons[]
+This fighterbomber is fast and doesn't always require an escort.
+It has the average fighter-bomber rating but the higher than average speed compensates.
-Somewhat expensive ontop of development.
Weapons[]
Weapon | ||||||||||
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Med dive bomb Diving bomb |
660 | 110 | 55 | 44 | 26 | 18 | 0m |
Weapon | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heavy HE bomb HE bomb |
40 | 40 | 100 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0m |
Weapon | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Very Light cal. AA gun |
24 | 400m |
Gallery[]
See also[]
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