This Italian torpedo aircraft S.79 of the 104th Gruppo Aerosiluranti (104th Torpedo Aircraft Group), 253rd Squadriglia, equipped with Alpha 128 engines, based at Gadouras, Rhodes, photographed early 1943, has an experimental camouflage for the torpedo aircraft. This camouflage, without the white fuselage band too much visible during the darkness missions, and fuselage number red, is knew only of 104th Gruppo’s aircrafts. Victor Sierra

Experimental camouflage

The initial of the Mussolini’s signature on the fin of Regia Aeronautica’s bomber Savoia-Marchetti S.79 at beginning on Summer 1940. The planes are S.79 of 41st Gruppo’s 205th Squadriglia from early July 1940 based at Rhodes which was employed the British fleet and also against Haifa. The last raid over Haifa date 6 August 1940. Later the 41st Gruppo returned in Italy for transition to Cant-Z-1007bis. Notice the aircraft without the forward upper machine gun. Victor Sierra

The Duce’s signature on the tail

Italy, June 1943: a Reggiane Re.2002 "Ariete" of the 239th Squadriglia, 102nd Gruppo, 5th Stormo Tuffatori (Dive-bombers Wing) in line a Tarquinia Airport, North of Rome. Note the stores pylon under the centerline of fuselage, the canopy open and the pilot's parachute (Salvator model).  over the left wing. The highlight also the large NACA cowling of radial engine Piaggio P.XIX R.C.45 "Turbine" with air-cooling gills open, the three-blades propeller and stocky propeller spinner. In the 101st Stormo the Ariete has replaced the "Picchiatello", the JU-87 in service with Regia Aeronautica. VictorSierra