Savoia-Marchetti SM.85
The Savoia - Marchetti SM.85 was an Italian single-seat dive bomber, which was built at the beginning of World War II of Savoia - Marchetti.
History
The SM.85 was developed as part of a program for a twin-engine battle and dive bomber. The first prototype was tested in December 1936. Despite its inadequate rate of climb of 20 minutes at 5000 m and the low speed, the Regia Aeronautica saw enough potential for further development and could begin production. Even more test flights through the Reparto Sperimentale Volo a Tuffo showed many weaknesses. The planes were not really particularly useful in its intended role as a dive bomber. Finally, the production was stopped and the SM.85 34 previously produced came to the 96 ° Gruppo Tuffatori.
The 96 ° Gruppo Tuffatori was stationed in Pantelleria and should engage targets in Malta. The group led by July 1940, some missions over the Mediterranean, but had no contact with the enemy. Only one machine was lost in a landing accident. Even at the end of summer 1940, the SM.85 were replaced by Junkers Ju 87.
The unsuccessful SM.85 was further developed into the SM.86.
Construction
The wooden structure was equipped with two radial engines and air brakes.