| Macchi M.3 | |
|---|---|
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| Role | Biplane flying boat Type of aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Macchi |
| First flight | 1916 |
| Retired | 1924 |
| Primary user | Regia Marina |
| Number built | 200 |
| Developed from | Macchi L.2 |
TheMacchi L.3, or laterMacchi M.3, was an Italianbiplaneflying boat developed from the earlierL.2.
The Macchi company had learned about flying boat design from copying anAustrian flying boat to produce theMacchi L.1 and improving it to produce the L.2. The result was the L.3, which was renamed the M.3 in 1917 to recognise the change in design from Lohner influenced to a Macchi design. Only the unequal-span biplane wings were inherited from the L.2; a new and refined hull and strut-mountedtailplane were designed. Like its predecessors, the new plane was powered by a singleIsotta Fraschini engine strut mounted between the two wings and driving apusher propeller. It was armed with a singlemachine gun on a trainable mounting and could also carry four light bombs. In 1916, one aircraft gained the world altitude record for aseaplane when it climbed to 5,400 m (17,700 ft) in 41 minutes.
Over 200 M.3s were built and delivered to the Royal Italian Navy and were used on a variety of missions which includingbombing,reconnaissance, patrol and escort. For a short period in 1917, it was also used as afighter. Several aircraft were used in commando-style operations behind Austrian lines. The aircraft were highly regarded by the Royal Italian Navy and they were used on bombing raids and pioneered the Italian use of aerial photography. AfterWorld War I, the type was used by training units until 1924.
In 1919, an L.3 which belonged to the Italian Military Mission in Argentina connected Buenos Aires with Asunción, Paraguay for the first time. This plane was later donated to the Paraguayan government.Lieutenant Arturo Escario, who was already a pilot, trained in the L.3 in Argentina. This plane was destroyed in an accident on 30 September 1919. Its pilot, Lieutenant Escario, died the following day.
A number of second-hand aircraft were used by the Swiss companyAd Astra Aero to carry out charters and joy rides on the Swiss lakes, the two passengers were seated side-by-side behind a large windscreen with the pilot in a raised opencockpit further aft.[citation needed]
Two M.3s were fitted withFiat A.12 engines and were re-designatedMacchi M.4, but they were abandoned after completion in favour of theMacchi M.9.
Data fromThe Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing. p. 2392.
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
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