Macchi M.19

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Macchi M.19
Type Racing flying boat
Manufacturer Macchi
Maiden flight 1920
Retired 1921
Number built 1

The Macchi M.19 was a 1920s Italian single-seat racing flying boat designed and built by Macchi for the 1920 Schneider Trophy race.

[edit] Development

Based on the earlier Macchi M.17 racer the M.19 first flew in August 1920. It was designed to meet a new Schneider Trophy rule that each competitor should carry 300kg (661lb) of disposable load. A single-seat biplane flying boat with a 650hp (485kW) Fiat A.14 engine strut-mounted above the upper wing driving a four-bladed propeller in tractor configuration. Early test flights showed a torque reaction from the powerful engine and the hull and rudder had to be redesigned. This resulted in the M.19 missing the 1920 Schneider race. The following year the weight rule was relaxed. In the 1921 race the M.19 competed against two Macchi M.7s but the M.19 had to withdrawn after the twelfth lap with a fractured crankshaft which ruptured a fuel line causing the aircraft to be burn out.

[edit] Specifications (M.19)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Wingspan: 15.86 m (52 ft 0½ in)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Fiat A.14 radial engine, 495 kW (650 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)

[edit] See also

Related lists

[edit] 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, 2395.