Savoia-Marchetti SM.89

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.89 was an attack aircraft armed with two 37 mm cannons. Only one example was built, the prototype (MM.543).

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.89 flew in 1941, but it was not until September 1942 that it was sent to Guidonia for evaluation tests. The aircraft was taken into use in March 1943, seeing service in the anti-tank and other roles. The results were quite good, with its firepower second only to the P.108A.

The real problem with the S.89 was the power and the reliability of the engines. 2,237 kW (3,000 hp) was not enough for the 12,600 kg (27,780 lb) aircraft. It was planned to install Piaggio P.XV or Alfa Romeo 135 engines on the aircraft, but this never took place.

The pilots found the aircraft to be difficult to fly, being too slow, and difficult to land. During flight, the aircraft needed to have an elevated angle of attack so as not to lose altitude. It was captured by the Germans after 8 September 1943 and vanished.