This footage really shows off the distinctive tri-engined shape of the Sparviero. Despite being known as the 'Gobbo Maledetto,' meaning the 'Damned Hunchback' due to the distinctive hump, the plane is actually quite pretty in my opinion. In fact I think it's a rather marvellous design!

The Sparviero started life as a glamorous racing aircraft, and found fame as Italy's most effective combat aircraft of WWII in arevised role as a torpedo-bomber.

This video is complete, as is so often the case, with a a side order of propagandist music and commentary. Can any Italian readers tell us what is being said? 


Also, whoever can name the type of escort fighter depicted at 1.40 will win a round of applause from the aviation corner of the Osprey office! 

If you'd like to know more about this intriguing plane, make sure you pick up a copy of this month's COM 106 Savoia-Marchetti S.79 Torpedo-bomber Units by Marco Mattioli!

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