Macchi M.24

M.24
Role Flying boat bomber
National origin Italy
Manufacturer Macchi
First flight 1924




The Macchi M.24 was a flying boat produced in Italy during the 1920s. Originally intended as a bomber, it was eventually produced for civilian use as well.[1][2] The M.24 resembled a scaled-up version of earlier Macchi flying boat bombers such as the M.9 and M.18, sharing their biplane configuration and Warren truss-style interplane struts. However, while these earlier aircraft were single-engine types, the M.24 had twin engines mounted in a tractor-pusher pair on struts in the interplane gap.[1][2] Also like the M.18, it featured an open position in the bow for a gunner, but added a second such position amidships as well.[1][2]

Two M.24s made a demonstration flight in 1925 from Macchi's home on Lake Varese, crossing the Alps to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Leningrad and home again.[1] This feat was followed by torpedo-launching experiments.[2] The M.24 saw extensive use with the Italian Navy, and several were purchased by the Spanish Navy.[2]

A civil version with equal-span wings was developed in 1927 as the M.24bis. This featured an enclosed cabin within the forward hull that could seat eight passengers. Aero Espresso flew these on its Brindisi-Athens-Constantinople route,[1] and SITAR operated them on routes in the Mediterranean as well.[2]

Operators

 Kingdom of Italy

Variants

Specifications (M.24ter)

Data from World Aircraft Information Files File 901 Sheet 02

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also


Related lists

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Taylor 1989, 617
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 World Aircraft Information Files File 901 Sheet 02

References

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