| Macchi M.52 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Racing seaplane |
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | Macchi |
| Designed by | Mario Castoldi |
| First flight | 1927 |
| Number built | 3 (M.52) 1 (M.52bis) |
The Macchi M.52 was an Italian racing seaplane designed and built by Macchi for the Schneider Trophy.
Design and development
The M.52 was designed following the success of the earlier M.39 in the 1926 Schneider Trophy. It retained the same design, a single-engined low-wing monoplane on twin floats. Slightly smaller than the M.39 it was powered by a 750 kW (1,000 hp) Fiat AS.3 engine. Three M.52s were built but engine problems during the 1927 race held at Venice led to the aircraft being withdrawn with one aircraft failing on the last lap. Despite the lack of a win, one of the aircraft, piloted by Mario de Bernardi, established a new world speed record of 479.3 km/h (297.8 mph) on 4 November 1927.
A further aircraft designated the M.52bis or M.52R was built, it had a reduced wing span (7.85 m/25 ft 9 in) and other streamlining improvements including floats with a smaller frontal area. At Venice on 30 March 1928, this aircraft flown by Mario de Bernardi, set a new world speed record of 512.8 km/h (318.6 mph).
During the 1929 Schneider Trophy race, one of the later designed M.67s withdrew and the M.52R was entered and gained second place.
Operators
Specifications (M.52)
Data from [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 7.14 m (23 ft 4¾ in)
- Wingspan: 8.98 m (29 ft 5½ in)
- Gross weight: 1,515 kg (3,340 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Fiat AS.3 piston engine, 746 kW (1,000 hp)
Performance
See also
Related lists
Notes
- ^ Orbis 1985, page 2397
References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.
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