Savoia-Pomilio S.P.3

The SP.2 was a derivative of the Farman M.F.11 "Shorthorn", built to accommodate the powerful Fiat A.12 engine. The follow-on Savoia-Pomilio SP.3 shortened the wings and raised the horsepower from 200 to 250, but the pusher design was already too far beyond its "golden age" to make much of a difference. The failure of the SIA 7b programme left the SP.2 and SP.3 serving much longer than they deserved -- well in to 1918. While its strength was appreciated, its slow speed and lack of maneuverability became a detriment, and it was not until the arrival of more modern machines in mid-1918 that it was finally retired to training schools. Though largely forgotten, the SP.2 and SP.3 were important reconnaissance platforms for the Italian air force in 1917-1918.

The SP.3 was built by both the parent company Società Italiana Aviazione (SIA) and by Società Italiana Transaerea (SIT). The SIT-built version of the SP.3 featured a much more rounded fuselage/nacelle, shaped like a stretched sphere and leaving much more of the Fiat engine exposed. Most were delivered in the second half of 1917 and a handful were still in service at the Armistice.

SP.3's were armed with a front flexible Fiat MG or sometimes a 25mm Fiat cannon.

1:144 Scale

 * Shapeways:
 * SIA version: Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * SIT version: Reduced Aircraft Factory

1:285/6mm/1:288 Scale

 * Shapeways:
 * SIA version: Reduced Aircraft Factory
 * SIT version: Reduced Aircraft Factory