Over 1,200 examples of the tri-motor SM.79 medium and torpedo bomber were built from 1934 onwards. Originally designed as a fast passenger transport, it picked up some 26 world records before seeing extensive wartime service. After WW2 three were passed to the embryonic Lebanese Air Force and after lying derelict for many years, this one (ex MM24499) was gifted back to Italy for restoration. It now forms the magnificent centrepiece of the Caproni Museum at Trento and is one of only two complete examples left in the world, the other displayed at the Italian Air Force museum near Rome.

This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 22 October 2018, and has since been viewed 1226 times.