The Macchi M.39 was a single-engine, low-wing racing seaplane designed by Mario Castoldi and Aeronautica Macchi in 1926 to compete in that year’s Schneider Cup. Following the American victory in the 1925 competition and the success of British parasol-wing designs, the Italian Air Ministry issued a specification on 4 February 1926 for a new aircraft equipped with the Fiat AS.2 engine, a 12-cylinder V-type motor delivering 850 horsepower.
In response, Castoldi’s technical office at Aeronautica Macchi departed from the central-hull, biplane-wing configuration that had defined earlier Italian racing seaplanes. The M.39 adopted the parasol-wing arrangement favored by foreign competitors, positioning it at the forefront of Italian aeronautical design for high-speed flight. The aircraft embodied the latest engineering approaches to reduce drag and maximize performance in speed trials.
About Mario Castoldi
Mario Castoldi directed the technical office at Aeronautica Macchi during a formative period for Italian aircraft design. He oversaw the company’s transition from earlier biplane configurations toward modern monoplane and parasol-wing layouts, aligning Italian practice with international competition standards.
Details
- Designer: Mario Castoldi
- Manufacturer: Aeronautica Macchi
- Year: 1926
- Type: Single-engine racing seaplane
- Powerplant: Fiat AS.2 engine, 850 hp
- Purpose: Schneider Cup competition
- Current location: Museo storico dell’Aeronautica Militare
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Macchi M.39?
The aircraft was designed by Mario Castoldi, who directed the technical office at Aeronautica Macchi during the 1920s.
What was the purpose of the Macchi M.39?
It was developed specifically to compete in the 1926 Schneider Cup, the premier international racing competition for seaplanes. The design responded to a specification from the Italian Air Ministry issued on 4 February 1926.
What engine powered the M.39?
The aircraft was equipped with the Fiat AS.2, a 12-cylinder V-type engine producing 850 horsepower, designed by engineer Tranquillo Zerbi.
