SIAI S.12

Role: reconnaissance-bomber flying-boat
Manufacturer: SIAI
Designed by: Raffaele Conflenti
First flight: 1918
Number built: 1
Developed from: SIAI S.9

The SIAI S.12 was an Italian 1910s reconnaissance flying-boat and later Schneider Trophy racer.

Design and development

The Societa Idrovolanti Alta Italia (SIAI) refined the design of the SIAI S.9 into the SIAI S.12 a single-engined biplane reconnaissance-bomber flying boat. It had a deep, contoured forward hull with a slim tapered rear section. The Italian Navy were not interested and no orders were placed.

Operational history

The aircraft was used for the 1920 Schneider Trophy race where it was known as the Savoia S.12, the contest was won by Italy as Great Britain had withdrawn from the race. Lt. Luigi Bolgna was the only pilot to complete the race in the Savioa S-12 achieving a speed of 107 mph (172.6 km/h). The aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 138 mph (222 km/h) on 7 January 1921.

Specifications (S.12)

General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 10 m ()
Wingspan: 11.72 m ()
Height: ()
Max takeoff weight: 5,203 lb (2360 kg)
Powerplant: 1x— Ansaldo 4E29 v12 piston, 550hp ()

Performance

Maximum speed: 138 mph (222 km/h)

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing.

SIAI S.12 Pictures

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Source: WikiPedia