P.108 Heavy Bomber Summary

The Piaggio P.108 Bombardiere was an Italian four-engine heavy bomber. A prototype first flew in November 1939 and it entered service in 1941. Four versions of the P.108 were designed, but only one, the P.108B bomber, was produced in any quantity before the armistice. The other variants included the P.108A anti-ship aircraft with a 102 mm (4 in) gun, the P.108C, an airliner with an extended wingspan and re-modelled fuselage capable of carrying 32 passengers, and the P.108T transport version designed specifically for military use. 

The P.108 could reach speeds of 420 km/h (260 mph) at 4,300 m (14,100 ft), which was slow compared to US bombers, but could carry a similar payload. Its range allowed it to reach as far as Gibraltar & Oran. Its service ceiling was comparable to contemporary Allied bombers - the Avro Lancaster, B-17 & B-24. This was due to their engines having turbochargers. However, the P.108's performance at high altitude was mediocre, with a practical ceiling of about 6,000 m (19,700 ft). 

P.108 was considered an advanced design and on par with Allied bombers of the era but was produced in miniscule quantities and did not make a significant contribution to the Italian war effort. 

Comes magnetized and painted in an olive/green camouflage pattern as shown.

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