Macchi-Castoldi M.C. 72 Racing Airplane for Tethered Flight

The M.C. 72 seaplane, designed by Macchi-Castoldi in Italy to compete in the legendary Schneider Cup races, was used for speed record attempts beginning in 1933. Two mechanically supercharged V-12 engines coupled in series, with a combined displacement of more than 50 liters, produced approximately 3,000 PS. The power from the 24-cylinder engine was transmitted via a reduction gearbox to two counter-rotating fixed-pitch propellers. Noteworthy is the engine cooling system, which relied exclusively on low-resistance heat exchangers mounted on the exterior surfaces. To this end, a large portion of the exterior surfaces was fitted with coolers made of flat brass tubes.

On October 23, 1934, M.Ilo Francesco Agello reached a speed of 709.2 km/h in Desenzano on Lake Garda with the M.C. 72/181. This world record for propeller-driven seaplanes with piston engines remains valid to this day. The perfectly restored original M.C. 72/181 is on display at the Italian Air Force Museum in Bracciano, near Rome.

The shapes of the wings, tail, and fuselage were modeled after the original. However, all aerodynamic dimensions were adjusted so that the model could compete effectively in FAI competitions. The balsa wood construction is conventional, and the model cannot be disassembled. The covering is made of silk, painted with two coats of automotive paint. The counter-rotating propeller is indicated by a fixed spinner extension.

After several competition appearances, including participation in the 2006 World Tethered Flight Championship, my M.C. 72 F2B was retired and donated to the Swiss Museum of Transport.