Macchi M.8

Macchi M.8
Role Reconnaissance/bomber flying boat
National origin Italy
Manufacturer Macchi
First flight 1917
Primary user Italian Navy Aviation
Number built 57


The Macchi M.8 was an Italian reconnaissance/bomber flying boat designed and built by Macchi. It was used by the Italian Naval Aviation and was later flown by crews from the United States Navy.

Design and development

The M.8 was similar to earlier flying boat designs from the company but introduced new rigid wing bracing (or interplane struts). The hull was improved from earlier designs and the tail unit was similar to that developed for the M.7. It was a biplane flying boat with the pilot and co-pilot in a side-by-side open cockpit with a further open cockpit forward of them for an observer. The third cockpit was fitted with a machine gun ring and there was access inside the hull between the cockpits. The M.8 was powered by a single Isotta-Fraschini V.4B pusher engine mounted below the upper wing.

A total of 57 aircraft were built between 1917 and 1918 and were used for coastal reconnaissance and to attack enemy submarines. After World War I, a number of surviving aircraft were used at seaplane flying schools for instruction.

Operators

 Kingdom of Italy
 Sweden
 United States

Specifications (M.8)

Data from [1]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also


Related lists

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Macchi.
  1. ↑ Orbis 1985, page 2394
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