Ansaldo SVA

{{Short description|1917 Italian reconnaissance aircraft}}  {{Infobox aircraft |name=SVA |image=Ansaldo S.V.A.5.jpg|caption=SVA.5 Primo |type=Reconnaissance aircraft |manufacturer=[[Gio. Ansaldo & C.]] |designer=[[Umberto Savoia]] and [[Rodolfo Verduzio]] |first_flight=1917 |introduction= |retired= |status= |primary_user= |more_users= |produced= |number_built= 1,245 |variants= }}

The '''Ansaldo SVA''' (named for [[Umberto Savoia|Savoia]]-Verduzio-[[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Ansaldo]]) was a family of Italian [[reconnaissance]] [[biplane]] aircraft of [[World War I]] and the decade after. Originally conceived as a [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]], the SVA was found inadequate for that role. Its impressive speed, range and operational ceiling, with its top speed making it one of the fastest of all [[Allies of World War I|Allied]] combat aircraft of the war, gave it the right properties to be an excellent reconnaissance aircraft and even light [[bomber]]. Production of the aircraft continued well after the war, the final examples were delivered during 1918.

The SVA was a conventionally laid-out [[Wing configuration#Asymmetrical| unequal-span]] biplane with unusual [[Truss bridge|Warren Truss]]-style struts joining its wings having no transverse (spanwise) bracing wires. The [[plywood]]-skinned [[fuselage]] had the typical Ansaldo triangular rear cross-section behind the cockpit, turning into a rectangular cross section through the rear cockpit area, with a full rectangular cross section forward of the cockpit.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Air Progress|date=October 1971|title=Ansaldo SVA9}}</ref> Two minor variants were produced, one with reconnaissance cameras, the other without cameras but extra fuel tanks.

The [[Flight over Vienna]] propaganda flight, inspired by Italian nationalist and poet [[Gabriele d'Annunzio]], consisting of a flight of eleven models of Ansaldo SVA-series biplanes, was carried out on 9 August 1918 by the 87th Squadriglia ''La Serenissima'' from San Pelagio. At least two of the aircraft were two-seat SVA.9 or SVA.10s to accommodate d'Annunzio for the flight he inspired, while the remainder were SVA.5 single-seaters.

==Development== ===Origins=== According to aviation author Gianni Cattaneo, prior to 1916, the aviation companies of Italy were commonly producing aircraft which lacked any substantial originality or possessed noteworthy performances, albeit with some exceptions, such as the [[Caproni Ca.4]] [[heavy bomber]].<ref name = "catt 3"/> While some figures within the industry were content to restrict their activity to forming arrangements to [[licensed production|licence-produce]] foreign aircraft, particularly those of French origin, there were others who wanted to develop indigenous designs. What would become known as the SVA started life as the shared ideas of R. Verduzio and U. Savoia, two talented technical officers of Italy's Military Aviation Technical Directory.<ref name = "catt 3">Cattaneo 1966, p. 3.</ref>

Even as a concept, it represented a considerable evolution in design. Instead of using empirical observations, calculations of aerodynamics and structures were performed; Cattaneo claims that this was a first for the Italian industry.<ref name = "catt 3"/> A small design team, headed by [[Aerospace engineering|aeronautical engineer]] [[Celestino Rosatelli]], was assembled to work on turning the conceptual aircraft into reality. During its design, it was developed to create one of the fastest aircraft of its era, coupling this with a very high range and suitability for use as a fighter.<ref name = "catt 34"/> The proposals for the ''SV'', was laid before the directors of Italian manufacturer [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.]], hoping to obtain their authorisation to proceed.<ref name = "catt 3"/> The Military Aviation Technical Directory, having developed a considerable interest in the prospects of such an aircraft being produced, decided to assume control of the construction programme, making it a government project. This came with some benefits, as the Italian government provided funding to cover the development along with the cooperation of state agencies.<ref name = "catt 3"/>

===Into flight=== During November 1916, Ansaldo commenced construction upon a new aircraft factory, known at ''Catiere 1'', at [[Borzoli]], outside [[Genoa]]; further factories were either established or acquired during the following two years.<ref name = "catt 3"/> On 3 March 1917, the first SVA prototype performed its [[maiden flight]] from [[Grosseto]], flown by Flight Sargeant M. Stoppani. Following this first flight, Stoppani was enthusiastic about his experience, favourably describing the prototype's handling characteristics and high speed.<ref name = "catt 3"/> It was subjected to an intense test programme, being flown at various locations inside and outside Italy, for the purpose of validating the design's performance and viability.<ref name = "catt 34">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 3–4.</ref> It was around this phase of work that it was decided to use the aircraft as a reconnaissance/fighter-bomber instead of a pure fighter, which represented a considerable shift in the specification; according to Cattaneo, this may have been done due to a perceived lack of maneuverability in comparison to some of its foreign competitors, such as the [[SPAD S.XIII]] and the [[Hanriot HD.1]], and a lack of recognition amongst typical fighter pilots of its strengths, such as its speed and range.<ref name = "catt 4">Cattaneo 1966, p. 4.</ref>

Testing of the prototype had revealed the aircraft to possess speeds {{cvt|30|mph}} in excess of any aircraft serving on the [[Italian Front (World War I)|Italian Front]].<ref name = "catt 4"/> The outstanding speed, in combination with its range and load capabilities, made for an impressive fast reconnaissance aircraft, being able to dispense with escorts and break off from combat with opponents at will, via its superior speed and rate of climb. Various sub-types and modifications were developed for other purposes.<ref name = "catt 4"/> Initially, the prototype was followed by a slightly modified aircraft, known as the ''SVA.4''; it functioned as a stepping stone towards the definitive production variant, the ''SVA.5''.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

===Into production=== The SVA was rapidly ordered into production.<ref name = "catt 5"/> During late 1917, volume manufacture of the type commenced; by the end of the year, an initial batch of 65 aircraft had been produced. A number of the early aircraft produced at ''Cantiere 3'', one of the production lines, were used to test modifications, particularly alternative engine installations.<ref name = "catt 5"/> Reportedly, highly positive results were gathered on the [[Isotta Fraschini V.6]], having cut the time to climb to 10,000 feet to only seven minutes, superior to widely used fighters such as the British [[Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5]] and the Germany [[Fokker D.VII]]. As such, during summer 1918, following confirmation of the performance figure via official testing conducted at [[Taliedo]], outside [[Milan]], it was decided to use the Isotta engine.<ref name = "catt 5">Cattaneo 1966, p. 5.</ref>

The {{lang|it|[[Corpo Aeronautico Militare]]}} (Italian Air Corps) urged that the SVA to be provided in vast quantities; thus, production output made rapid advances. While only 65 aircraft had been completed by the end of 1917, 1,183 SVAs were built during 1918; this made the type the second-most numerous aircraft to be built by the Italian aviation industry.<ref name = "catt 7">Cattaneo 1966, p. 7.</ref> Around late 1917 and early 1918, licences to produce the SVA were issued to several other aircraft manufacturers with the intention of achieving a high rate of production. Some of these licensees decided to perform modifications to the aircraft, such as reducing the length and span of the wings.<ref name = "catt 5"/>

On the basis of the first few months of operation, sub-models of the SVA were developed, both being twin-seater aircraft.<ref name = "catt 7"/> The ''SVA.9'', which was usually powered by the SPA 6A engine, was normally used as a trainer. The ''SVA.10'', powered by the Isotta engine, was intended for use as a light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, armed with a fixed gun and a flexible [[Lewis gun]] for the observer.<ref name = "catt 7"/>

==Operational history== During early 1918, the SVA started to be issued to the second-line units, which were typically responsible for defensive missions such as the guarding of various northern Italian cities and conducting reconnaissance operations along the Italian front.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, pp. 5–6.</ref> During February 1918, commenced combined strategic reconnaissance and light bombing; for this purpose, special sections were organised and directly controlled by each headquarters of the [[Royal Italian Army]]. On 29 February, the first offensive operation was performed against railway infrastructure in [[Bolzano]] and [[Innsbruck]].<ref name = "catt 6">Cattaneo 1966, p. 6.</ref>

During a typical bombing mission, aircraft would have to fly {{cvt|200|–|350|mi}}, which often included two crossings of the [[Alps]]; upon approaching the target, the pilot would descend to {{cvt|1000|ft}} to strafe or bomb.<ref name = "catt 6"/> Reconnaissance runs by the SVA were claimed to have played a major role during the [[Second Battle of the Piave River]], providing Italian commanders with a near-continuous photographic representation of the ground, helping them respond to rapid changes in the fighting. Imagery captured by one reconnaissance flight over the enemy harbour of [[Pula]] played a major role in a bombing raid by 70 Italian aircraft several days later.<ref name = "catt 7"/> The type also performed propaganda missions during the battle, dropping leaflets over the enemy lines.<ref name = "catt 7"/>

Daring reconnaissance missions on the Italian front were performed by 87 ''Squadriglia''; on 21 May 1918, a pair of SVAs departed [[Ghedi]], near [[Brescia]] and conducted a four-hour flight almost entirely inside hostile territory, covering {{cvt|430|mi}} and capturing imagery over the Austrian towns of [[Bregenz]], [[Lindau]] and the German town of [[Friedrichshafen]], by [[Lake Constance]].<ref name = "catt 6"/> During this period, reconnaissance flights by the type were being performed of key railway depots near-daily, building up a detailed picture of the Austro-Hungarian supply situation and the movement of reinforcements along the front. Cattaneo claims that the SVA had delivered a remarkably effective reconnaissance performance, especially for a single-engined, single-seat aircraft of the era.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, pp. 6–7.</ref>

==Flight over Vienna== {{Further|Flight over Vienna}} [[File:Gabriele D'Annunzio in an Ansaldo SVA-9 2-seater.jpg|thumb|Gabriele D'Annunzio in an Ansaldo SVA-9 2-seater before the flight]] Perhaps the most audacious operation involving the SVA was conducted over the skies of [[Vienna]], the capital of the [[Austria-Hungary|Austria-Hungarian Empire]], which demonstrated the superiority of Italy over its opponent and its inability to prevent such flights from reaching into the heartland of the nation.<ref name = "catt 8"/> On 9 August 1918, a flight of seven SVAs of the 87th ''Squadriglia La Serenissima'', based in [[San Pelagio]], flew over Vienna and dropped thousands of propaganda leaflets, which had been specially prepared by the [[poet]], [[soldier]] and [[nationalist]] [[Gabriele D'Annunzio]]. Cattaneo observes that bombs could have been carried instead of leaflets but that this had not been the purpose of the mission. D'Annunzio flew an observer on an SVA.9.; 11 SVAs were involved.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, pp. 8–9.</ref> The Vienna flight had been planned for 2 August 1918 but was delayed by weather. The feat delivered a loud message of Italy's technological supremacy over Austria-Hungary and delivered a warning of its rival's impending defeat to its own populace.<ref name = "catt 8">Cattaneo 1966, p. 8.</ref>

==Assessment of effectiveness== According to Cattaneo, the SVA had been quickly regarded as perhaps the most precious intelligence gathering aircraft in Italian service and was particularly welcomed by its pilots, having amply satisfied a long-standing requirement for a fast scout–light bomber capable of defending itself.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, pp. 6, 8.</ref> It has been claimed that reconnaissance performed by the type had been vital in the preparation of offensives, which included the [[Battle of Vittorio Veneto]]. SVAs also attacked ground units, strafing and bombing troop concentrations, communication centers, depots, railway infrastructure and airfields.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, p. 9.</ref> This action demonstrated the operational maturity of the design, which included the development of [[torpedo]]-armed and [[floatplane]] models for the [[Regia Marina]]. The Battle of Vittorio Veneto ended the war on the Italian front and forced the withdrawal of the Austria-Hungarian Empire from the conflict.<ref>Cattaneo 1966, pp. 6, 8–9.</ref>

==Variants== * '''SVA.1''' - single prototype * '''SVA.2''' - 65 production aircraft ** '''ISVA''' - ('''''I'''droplane'' - "seaplane") float-equipped version. 50 built for Italian navy * '''SVA.3''' - [[Società AER|AER]]-built SVA.4 ** '''SVA.3 Ridotto''' ("Reduced") - fast-climbing interceptor variant for anti-[[Zeppelin]] defence. Some fitted with additional oblique-firing machine gun * '''SVA.4''' - first major production version. Portside Vickers gun deleted to save weight for cameras. * '''SVA.5''' - definitive production version * '''SVA.6''' - prototype bomber version * '''SVA.8''' - single prototype; nature unclear * '''SVA.9''' - two-seat unarmed reconnaissance version with larger wings. Intended as pathfinder for SVA.5 formations and as trainer. Used in the 1920 [[Rome-Tokyo Raid]]. * '''SVA.10''' - two-seat armed reconnaissance version with {{cvt|250|hp}} [[Isotta Fraschini]] engine and fitted with a forward firing gun and a [[Lewis gun]] on a flexible mounting in the rear [[cockpit]]

== Operators == [[File:Ansaldo SVA 5 2009-06-06.jpg|thumb|Ansaldo SVA.5 in the Vigna di Valle Air Force Historical Museum]] ;{{ARG}} * [[Army Aviation Service]] ;{{BRA}} * [[Brazilian Naval Aviation]] 12 Brazilian pilots trained in these planes, but the war ended before they can participate it {{China as ROC}} * West-North Aviation Corps of Warlord [[Feng Yuxiang]], 12 aircraft, 1925 ;{{ECU}} * [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] ;{{flag|Kingdom of Italy}} * [[Corpo Aeronautico Militare]] ;{{GEO}} * [[Georgian Air Force]] - 10 aircraft 1920 ;{{LAT}} * [[Latvian Air Force]] ;{{LTU}} * [[Lithuanian Air Force]], 10 SVA-10, purchased in 1923 ;{{flag|Paraguay}} * [[Paraguayan Air Force]] ;{{POL}} * [[Polish Air Force]] - 80 aircraft SVA.9 ;{{USSR}} * [[Soviet Air Force]] ;{{USA}} * [[American Expeditionary Force]] ;{{URU}} * [[Uruguayan Air Force]] ;{{flag|Kingdom of Yugoslavia}} * [[Yugoslav Royal Air Force]] - one aircraft

==Specifications (SVA.5)== [[File:Ansaldo SVA dwg.jpg|thumb|German ''Baubeschreibung'' drawing of an Ansaldo SVA]] {{Aircraft specs |ref=''The S.V.A. (Ansaldo) Scouts''<ref>Cattaneo 1966, p. 10.</ref> |prime units?=met |crew=1 |length m=8.1 |span m=9.1 |height m=2.65 |wing area sqm=24.2 |airfoil= |empty weight kg=680 |gross weight kg=1050 |max takeoff weight kg= |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[SPA 6A]]|eng1 type=6-cylinder water-cooled in-line piston engine |eng1 hp=200

|prop blade number=2|prop name=wood fixed-pitch propeller |prop dia m=|prop dia note=  |max speed kmh=230 |cruise speed kmh= |range km=690 |endurance=3 hours |ceiling m=6000 |climb rate ms=5 |time to altitude= |wing loading kg/m2=  |guns= 2 × synchronised {{cvt|.303|in}} [[Vickers machine gun]]s |bombs= up to {{cvt|90|kg}} of bombs }}

==See also== * [[Flight over Vienna]]

==References== ===Citations=== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== * {{cite book |last=Alegi |first=Gregory |series=Windsock Datafile |title=Ansaldo SVA 5 (No. 40) |year=1993 |publisher=Albatros Productions |location=Berkhamsted |isbn=0-9484-1450-2}} * {{cite journal |author= |journal=World Aircraft Information Files |title=A–Z of Aircraft: Ansaldo A.300, Ansaldo SVA-5 & SVA-9 (No. 889 Sheet 62) |publisher=Brightstar |location=London |issn=1369-6483}} * {{cite book |last=Cattaneo |first=Gianni |title=The S.V.A. (Ansaldo) Scouts |series=Profile Publications (No. 61) |year=1966 |publisher=Profile Publications |location=Surrey |oclc=22784442}} * {{cite book |last1=Munson |first1=Kenneth |title=Aircraft of World War I |date=1967 |publisher=Ian Allan |location=London |isbn=0-7110-0356-4}} * {{cite journal |last1=Sapienza |first1=Antonio Luis |title=Le role de aviation lors de la révolution de 1922 au Paraguay |journal=Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire |date=April 1999 |issue=73 |pages=24–26 |trans-title=The Role of Aircraft during the 1922 Paraguayan Revolution |language=French |issn=1243-8650}} * {{cite book |last=Taylor |first=Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |page=62 |isbn=}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * [http://www.airwar.ru/enc/other1/sva5.html airwar.ru]

[[Category:Ansaldo aircraft|Ansaldo SVA]] [[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]] [[Category:Biplanes]] [[Category:1910s Italian military reconnaissance aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1917]]