Italeri 1388 SM.81 PIPISTRELLO (1/72)

Italeri 1388 SM.81 Pipistrello in 1:72 scale is a precisely detailed plastic model kit of the Italian medium bomber and transport aircraft from World War II. This excellent kit is produced by the renowned company Italeri, known for its high-quality representation of historical military aircraft details.

Model Features

• Scale: 1:72
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Kit does not include glue or paints, assembly required
• Assembly difficulty level: 3/5 (intermediate)
• Category: plastic model kit
• Parts feature well-defined panel lines, detailed interior components, and a recreated crew cockpit
• Optional armament parts and decals for marking different historical versions

History of the SM.81 Pipistrello

The Savoia-Marchetti SM.81 Pipistrello is a three-engined bomber and transport aircraft, designed by the Italian company Savoia-Marchetti at the end of the 1930s. Its maiden flight was in 1934, and the aircraft was introduced into service with the Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) during the interwar period. It was widely used during the war in Ethiopia as well as in the early phase of World War II—serving both as a light bomber and as a transport on the Mediterranean, African, and Balkan fronts.

Between 1935 and 1943, the SM.81 Pipistrello was one of the most versatile Italian aircraft of its era, distinguished by its large payload capacity and characteristic silhouette. Later versions were also used for troop transport and medical evacuation.

Who is it recommended for?

Italeri 1388 SM.81 Pipistrello (1/72) is the perfect model for intermediate and advanced modelers with an interest in World War II aviation, especially those keen on Italian military technology or Mediterranean theater aviation. This model is a great starting point for dioramas set in African or Mediterranean theaters of war and allows for realistic assembly thanks to the detailed parts and authentic decals.