S.55P

The Savoia-Marchetti (Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia) represents one of the most glorious and fascinating pages in Italian and world aviation history. Under the leadership of brilliant designer Alessandro Marchetti, the Sesto Calende firm built legendary civil and military aircraft capable of historic ocean crossings and speed records. The specific model Savoia-Marchetti S.55P flew for the first time in 1924.

Originally conceived for Mediterranean passenger routes of the airline Ala Littoria or for general aviation and training duties, this aircraft combined aerodynamic elegance, reliability, and comfort.

The overall production of Savoia-Marchetti aircraft consolidated the prestige of Italian aeronautical engineering between the 1930s and 1960s worldwide.

From an engineering perspective, the Savoia-Marchetti S.55P expressed the excellence of mixed construction (wood, welded steel tubes, and fabric) typical of the Italian firm, later evolving into all-metal structures in subsequent series.

The aircraft was powered by 2 × Isotta Fraschini Asso 500, aero engines renowned for their performance on regional and long-range routes. With a maximum range of 1200 km, it offered a cabin capable of accommodating up to 10 passengers in a comfortable environment, with attention to the smallest details.

Flight behavior was characterized by exceptional stability and smoothness in the flight controls, highly appreciated by both commercial and military pilots.

On-Board Specifications

• ◆Italian radial or in-line aero engines designed for maximum thrust consistency.
• ◆Wooden or mixed wing structure guaranteeing exceptional aerodynamic elasticity and buoyancy in marine models.
• ◆Luxurious cabin interiors detailed to offer the best travel comfort.

The operational career of the Savoia-Marchetti S.55P was filled with aviation records and prestigious scheduled routes. It flew with major historical carriers of the era and with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana) in multiple special liaison and crew training roles.

The aircraft proved extremely robust, operating regularly over land and sea routes and ensuring high safety standards for passengers and cargo.

The versatility of the original design allowed it to operate in desert or alpine theaters, demonstrating excellent thermal adaptability.

The Savoia-Marchetti S.55P is a legend of Italian and international aviation, a living testimony to classic style and aeronautical technology.

Today, some precious restored examples are preserved and displayed at the famous Italian Air Force Museum at Vigna di Valle and at Volandia near Milan Malpensa, continuing to fascinate historians and visitors of every generation.