WIX Archives

Re: RACERS!

Posted by Gregory on Sat May 10, 2003 02:29:27 PM

In reply top RACERS! posted by Tom on Sat May 10, 2003 12:54:46 PM

And now, for something completely different ...

1. Fiat R700. The fastest aircraft of 1922, designed by Rosatelli (of CR32/42 fame) and powered by a monstrous 700 hp engine.

2. The Macchi C.72, still the fastest piston engined seaplane of the world. Check it out at the ItAF Museum.

3. And after that, the M.67. It didn't win anything, but I have been longing for years to see it restored.

4. The SAI 7 of the 1939 Italian Air Rally. It didn't win, but in its deep red livery it was the most beautiful entrant ever. The S.7 line of trainers and SAI 107/207/403 fighters are all descended from it.

5. Wouldn't mind a Travel Air R, either. Italy bought the last one built in 1932. It survived for several years - I think it actually made it into WW2.

6. And now, the might have beens. Either the Piaggio P.7 hydrofoil seaplane (built but unflown) or the CMASA landplane built around the Fiat AS.8 engine. They even built a 3000 meter runway for it at Cuneo. Engine still at the ItAF museum.

Gregory

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