For some strange reason, one of the major powers of WWII doesn't get the kind of coverage in enthusiast books, magazines and models that the others enjoy. That power is Italy. Why that should be is a mystery to me and a lot of other folks. Fortunately, in terms of publications, there are a number of very good publishers in Italy who not only produce a quality product, but are kind enough to offer them in English as well as Italian. One of those publishers La Bancarella Aeronautica who produce the Ali D'Italia series.

This series is produced in an A4 format, 56 pages with a card cover. This cover is folded over front and rear to give us superb profies, a five view, cockpit drawing, and period photographs of the subject; all in color. A really excellent way of providing this material. In addition, the center of the book contains line drawings of the different variants of the plane as well as an eight page pull out section of plans in 1/72 scale. An extremely helpful item for modelers.

The rest of the book goes into the history of the SM.82, giving a brief, but complete history of the type. The book is profusely illustrated with example photographs covering the complete lifespan of the aircraft from development to final flight. There is also a ten page technical description section that uses images/drawings from maintenance manuals to show specific areas and also includes a superb pair of cut-away drawings. A short modeling section is also given listing kits of the SM.82.

I was completely unaware of the importance of this large transport/bomber to the Axis powers during the war. Several hundred aircraft were built, including over 200 for the Germans. The SM.82 was developed as a colonial aircraft, meaning it had to be both a transport and, when needed, a bomber. The main loading doors were on the underside of the plane so that large cargo could be hoisted aboard.

As a bomber it was relatively successful with raids on Gibralter, Malta and Bahrain, to name a few. But where it really succeeded was as a heavy transport. So good was it that after the war, it was re-engined with US engines and soldiered on until late 1960. In fact, as with a number of Italian aircraft, it was engines that were the weakest part of the aircraft. Most Italian aero engines were underpowered for their sizes.

The book made for fascinating reading. If you have any interest in Italian WWII aircraft, or in some of the lesser known types of WWII, then this is a book you will enjoy.

Highly recommended!

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