S.I.A. 7b

The S.I.A. 7B was an Italian two-seater with an ignoble history due to frequent groundings and losses due to faulty construction. Società Italiana Aviazione (SIA) designed the plane as a replacement for the obsolete twin-boom pushers S.P.2 and S.P.3. Favorable tests in Spring 1917 convinced officials to order 500 7B's, and first deliveries commenced in August. Non-combat losses were frequent, however, and the type was grounded frequently, forcing the old SP's to soldier on past their intended lifespan. By June 1918 the SIA 7B was withdrawn from fighting duties altogether. It proved to be a fast and sturdy type when built properly, and much of its design was reused for the well-liked Fiat R.2. The 7B's checkered history led it to be largely overlooked in the history of Italian aviation.

Minor variants include the 7B1 (with raised rear decking), 7B2 (with the Fiat A12bis engine).

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways: Reduced Aircraft Factory