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Regia Aeronautica · Trimotor Torpedo Bomber · Mediterranean · Malta Convoys · North Africa

Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero

SM.79-I / SM.79-II / torpedo bomber routes · Regia Aeronautica, ANR and captured/reference subjects · 1936–1945
Allied desert, Pacific and Flying Tigers torpedo bomber

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero was Italy’s most famous torpedo bomber: a fast, rugged trimotor that became a deadly Mediterranean anti-shipping aircraft against Malta convoys and Allied naval forces. For modellers it means the unmistakable humped fuselage, three radial engines, ventral gondola, torpedo or bomb fit, large greenhouse glazing, Italian sand/green/brown camouflage, white theatre bands, exhaust staining from three engines, salt fading, oil streaks and dusty Mediterranean airfield wear.

5–6
Crew
3
Radial engines
Torpedo
Strike role
RA
Regia route

What paints do I need?

Generate a practical starter paint list for this Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero build, with common brand equivalents.

Scheme basis: Regia Aeronautica. Treat these as modelling equivalents rather than laboratory-perfect matches; always check your chosen aircraft, theatre and date.
ColourUseTamiyaVallejoAKMr Hobby
Giallo MimeticoItalian sand/yellow camouflage baseXF-59 mix71.028 / 71.031 mixAK RC291 style mixH71 mix
Verde MimeticoGreen mottle/smoke-ring camouflageXF-58 / XF-6771.012 / 71.022AK Real Colors Italian greenH303 mix
Marrone MimeticoBrown camouflage mottlingXF-64 / XF-5271.041 / 71.029AK Real Colors Italian brownH37 mix
Grigio Azzurro ChiaroUnderside grey-blueXF-19 / XF-23 mix71.046 mixAK Real Colors Italian greyH338 mix
Interior green/greyCockpit and internal areasXF-71 / XF-22 mix71.126 / 71.044AK interior green/greyH312 mix
White theatre bandsFuselage bands and ID markingsXF-271.001AK RC004H1
Exhaust/rubber/weatheringMediterranean dust, exhaust, tyres and oilXF-1/XF-64/XF-85Black/Brown/RubberAK weathering coloursH12/H47

SM.79 operations · 1936–1945

The SM.79 began as a fast trimotor bomber and became one of the most effective Axis torpedo aircraft in the Mediterranean. It served with Regia Aeronautica bomber and torpedo units over Malta, North Africa, the central Mediterranean and anti-shipping routes, then appeared in ANR/captured and reference contexts. A good SM.79 build starts with the role: early bomber, torpedo bomber, Malta convoy attacker, North Africa route, ANR/captured route or survivor/reference subject.

5–6Crew
3Engines
SM.79-IITorpedo route
RARegia Aeronautica
Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero real reference
Real SM.79 photo route: check bomber/torpedo fit, engines, ventral gondola, glazing, theatre bands, camouflage, unit markings and Mediterranean weathering before paint.

Role & strengths

  • Italian trimotor bomber and torpedo bomber with major Mediterranean service
  • Malta convoys, North Africa, central Mediterranean, anti-shipping, ANR/captured and reference routes
  • Three radial engines, humped fuselage, ventral gondola, torpedo/bomb fit and large glazing areas
  • Italian sand/green/brown camouflage, grey undersides, white theatre bands and Regia markings
  • Salt fading, oil, three-engine exhaust staining, dusty airfields, torpedo wear and restrained chipping

Key theatres

  • Mediterranean anti-shipping and Malta convoy routes
  • North Africa and central Mediterranean bomber/torpedo routes
  • ANR/captured and late-war operator routes
  • Survivor and restoration-reference routes

Specification SM.79-II

Crew5–6Length53 ft 4 inWingspan70 ft 4 inMax speedc.270 mphPowerplant3× Alfa Romeo / Piaggio radial engines by variantArmamentDefensive guns plus torpedo or bomb load

Survivor/reference today

Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero survivor/reference image

SM.79 survivors and restorations are valuable for the fuselage hump, glazing, gondola, engines and landing gear, but wartime camouflage and torpedo-unit markings should be checked separately.

View references

Timeline highlights

Build this SM.79 as…

Pick role and theatre first. Bomber, torpedo bomber, Malta convoy attacker, North Africa aircraft and ANR/captured subjects need different stores and markings.

Aircraft identity

ITItaly
3×Trimotor
SM79Sparviero
TORPTorpedo
MEDMediterranean
RARegia
Fit warning

Bomber and torpedo-bomber SM.79s differ. Check torpedo rack, gondola, gun positions, glazing and antennae.

Weathering warning

Three engines create a lot of exhaust and oil. Keep staining directional and avoid random all-over grime.

Paint scheme cards

MediterraneanSand with green/brown mottle

Core torpedo route with salt fading, white bands and Regia markings.

BomberGreen/brown/sand route

Bomber route with grey undersides and heavy exhaust/weathering opportunities.

LateANR/captured route

Late-war/operator-specific route where markings must be checked carefully.

CombatThree-engine exhaust and oil

Weather nacelles, wing roots, belly, torpedo fit, wheels and gun positions logically.

Campaign cards

Malta convoys

Classic torpedo bomber route with anti-shipping context and salt-faded camouflage.

North Africa

Dusty airfield route with sun fading, sand wear and theatre markings.

Central Mediterranean

Bomber/torpedo route with varied unit markings and maritime grime.

ANR/captured

Late-war/operator route where reference accuracy is essential.

Build difficulty and related guides

Overall difficulty

High. Large glazed trimotor with fit, masking and weathering challenges.

Masking difficulty

High. Canopy, nose, dorsal and gondola glazing need careful masking.

Weathering difficulty

High. Three engines, torpedo fit and maritime conditions need layered restraint.

Paint codesItalian bomber camouflage, sand/green/brown, grey undersides and white bandsTechniqueLarge bomber masking, trimotor exhaust, torpedo staining and Mediterranean fadingArticleSM.79 kits, torpedo-bomber markings and weathering guide

Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 units and torpedo groups

Sortable SM.79 cards covering torpedo bomber, Malta convoy, North Africa, bomber, ANR/captured and survivor/reference routes.

Route:Sort:

SM.79 Sparviero operating map

Variant selector

Airfield info

Click a marker to show linked SM.79 unit cards and modelling notes.

Campaign timeline

Survivors

Books and reference sources

SM.79 Sparviero build guide

Kit choice wizard

SM.79 Sparviero videos, photos and archive material

Media replaces the old separate walkaround tab: cockpit, exhaust, undercarriage, markings, survivor references, archive imagery and video cards are grouped here.