| The
fighter airplane build by Societa Giavonni Ansaldo factory based
on earlier concept utilized in SVA constructions. Prototype
first flown by the end of 1917 was designed by Giuseppe Brezzi
with the help of ace Luigi Olivari. All do it looked pretty ,
airplane was heavy and sluggish, with defective engine. All
those bad characteristics pushed airplane to schools and second
line units. It flew combat missions in 70 and 91 ( Aces unit )
Squadriglia during 1918.
After the end of WW I main
country using Balillas was Poland, who bought 35 airplanes and
build another 60 under Italian supervision in Plage&Laskiewicz
factory located in city of Lublin.
At first, it was used in 7
Eskadra Mysliwska ( fighter unit ) later in 18 Eskarda Mysliwska
and fought in Polish-Bolshevik war. Even so it was not a great
airplane, American volunteers flying in Polish Air Force liked
it a lot. After the war airplanes were moved to 121 and 122
Eskadra of First Air Regiment, later to 11 Fighter Regiment in
Lida and many training units. Balillas served in front line
units until 1926-27. Beside Italy and Poland, airplane was used
in Soviet Union (30 pcs.), Latvia, Central and South America.
One airplane was modified for Pulitzer Trophy Race where it took
third place.
Production: Italy - 166 pcs.,
Poland - 60-70 pcs.
Armament: 2 x Vickers 7,7mm
(0.303 cal), synchronized, fixed on the fuselage.
Engine: inline, 6 cylinders,
liquid-cooled, made by SPA (Societa Piemontese Automobili), type
SPA-6A, power 162kW (220KM)
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