Savoia-Marchetti S.73

In service with Sabena from 1935, in early 1940 eight aircraft were placed at the disposal of the RAF 24th and 271st transport squadrons and were painted in RAF camouflage with Belgian cocardes. During the first months of the war, they were used to supply British troops in France, with two aircraft being lost (including OO-AGZ). The remaining aircraft attempted to reach Congo via North Africa, but after the French capitulation, they were seized by the Italians.

The SM.81 model of Italeri (1283) can be converted into an S.73 after a few major modifications:

• The opening for the rear turret must be removed, the fuselage door moved and the windows modified.
• On the underside, blind the bomb aimer’s extension, remove the bomb bay doors and close the belly gun turret.
• Make landing lights in the wing edge.