Macchi M.8

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The Macchi M.8 was an Italian reconaissance/bomber flying boat designed and built by Macchi. It was used by the Italian Naval Aviation and later were flown by crews from the United States Navy.

Design and development

The M.8 was similar to earlier flying boat designs from the company but introduced a new rigid wing bracing (or interplane struts). The hull was improved from earlier designs and the tail unit was similar to that developed for the M.7. It was a biplane flying boat with the pilot and co-pilot in a side-by-side open cockpit with a further open cockpit forward of them for an observer. The third cockpit was fitted with gun ring and the there was access inside the hull between the cockpits. The M.8 was powered by a single Isotta-Fraschini V.4B pusher engine mounted below the upper wing.

A total of 57 aircraft were built between 1917 and 1918 and were used for coastal reconnaissance and to attack enemy submarines. After the First World War a number of surviving aircraft were used at seaplane flying schools for instruction.

Operators

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pecifications (M.8)

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crew=3 (pilot, co-pilot and observer/gunner)
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span m=16.00
span ft=52
span in=6
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gross weight kg=1430
gross weight lb=3153
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eng1 number=1
eng1 type=Isotta-Fraschni V.4B piston engine
eng1 kw= 127
eng1 hp= 170
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max speed kmh=167
max speed mph=104
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endurance h= 3
endurance min= 0
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armament1=1 x 0.303in (7.7mm) Vickers machine-gun or similar, ring mounted in forward cockpit
armament2=4 x 50kg (110lb) bombs
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ee also

aircontent
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*List of seaplanes and flying boats

References

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*cite book |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985)|year= |publisher= Orbis Publishing|location= |issn=|pages=