Macchi M.5
| Macchi M.5 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Flying boat |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
1917 |
| Commissioning: |
1917 |
| Number of pieces: |
244 |
The Macchi M.5 was a single-seat Italian biplane - flying boat that in 1917 the First World War was used.
It was a further development of the Macchi L.3 and, due to its top speed, could compete with even the best German fighter aircraft . It was one of the best and most famous aircraft in Italy during the First World War.
The flying boat entered the test phase in Varese , Italy , in early 1917 . After a few intermediate versions, the M.5 was delivered to the Regia Marina in autumn 1917 . The M.5 had a 160 PS (118 kW) Isotta Fraschini V.4B in-line engine with a pusher propeller . The M.5 was armed with two 7.7 mm Vicker machine guns and, if necessary, with a few small bombs.
The aircraft was very fast and maneuverable and could defeat even modern German fighters in aerial combat. The M.5 were used to attack Austro-Hungarian targets such as the port of Pola in the Adriatic Sea . In addition, aerial reconnaissance and securing ship convoys played an important role.
The M.5 was produced in large numbers. Macchi and Societa Aeronautica Italiana built a total of 244 units. This was followed by 100 copies of the modified version M.5 mod with a 250 hp Isotta Fraschini in-line engine.
The M.5 remained in service long after the First World War and was not taken out of service until 1923.
Units with the Macchi M.5
- 260a and 261a Squadriglia in Venice
- 256a Squadriglia in Otranto
- 257a and 258a Squadriglia in Albania
- 262a Squadriglia in Brindisi
- 263a Squadriglia in Porto Corsini near Ravenna
- 264a Squadriglia in Ancona
On August 21, 1918, five Macchi M.5 flew. and two flying boat bomber of type Macchi M.8 by the US Naval Station in Porto Corsini to attack the Austria-Hungarian naval base Pola. The M.8 bombers quickly dropped their heavy bomb load on Pola and retreated to Porto Corsini.
The other aircraft were suddenly attacked by five Austrian Albatros fighters and two Lohner flying boats. The cadets ( Ensign ) George H. Ludlow and Charles H. Hammann came in aerial combat. Ludlow managed to shoot down one of the albatross fighters, but his machine itself was badly damaged and he had to ditch five nautical miles from Pola. However, he was unharmed and climbed onto his sinking machine. Charles H. Hammann saw Ludlow in the sea and started to land, although an Austrian speedboat was on its way to Ludlow. The maneuver was risky as the M.5 was only a single-seater and the launch proved very difficult. Nevertheless, Hammann was able to fly the machine back to Pola. The hull of his M.5. However, it was also damaged by machine gun fire and so his M.5 sank. shortly after landing. A lifeboat took them both on board. Charles H. Hammann was awarded the Medal of Honor for his commitment to Ludlow .
Military use
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 1 |
| length | 8.06 m |
| span | 11.90 m |
| Wing area | 28 m² |
| height | 2.85 m |
| Empty mass | 720 kg |
| Takeoff mass | 990 kg |
| drive | an in-line engine Isotta Fraschini V.4B with 160 PS (approx. 120 kW) |
| Top speed | 183 km / h |
| Service ceiling | 6200 m |
| Flight duration | 3:40 h |
| Armament | two 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns |
See also
literature
- Michael JH Taylor (Ed.): Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions, London 1989, ISBN 1-85170-324-1 .
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
