| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | MM181 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Macchi MC.72 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Macchi MC.72 |
| Aircraft Version: | Macchi MC.72 |
| C/n (msn): | 5 |
| Operator Titles: | Italy - Air Force |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Seaplane Base: | Vigna di Valle - Seaplane (closed)Map |
| Country: | Italy |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: LIRB IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Collection: | Museo Storico dell'Aeronautica Militare |
| Photo Date: | 25 September 2019 |
| Photo by: | Erik Sleutelberg |
| Photo ID: | 190229 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The M.C.72 represents the culmination of high speed floatplane development in Italy. Its Fiat AS.6 engine consists of two coupled V12 blocks that delivered a maximum of 3100 hp to two contra-rotating propellers. After serious initial problems, this plane became the world speed record holder for five years. In 1934, it reached 709 km/h (441 mph) averaged over three passes, a record for prop-driven seaplanes that still stands in 2019. All the gold-coloured surfaces are water and oil radiators. This photo is copyright © Erik Sleutelberg, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 5 December 2019, and has since been viewed 982 times. |