The Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Marsupiale was an Italian bomber and transport aircraft of World War II. It was a cantilever, mid-wing monoplane trimotor with a retractable, tailwheel undercarriage. About 400 were built, the first entering service in 1940, but although able to operate as a bomber with a maximum bombload of up to 8,818 lb (4000 kg), the SM.82 saw very limited use in this role.
In operation, when faced with a fighter opposition, the SM.82 suffered a devastating loss rate. On 24 November 1942, three Beaufighters downed seven SM.82s, a 100% loss. Later on 10 April 1943, 10 out of 20 in formation were downed by a single pass of a P-38 Lightning squadron. At altitude, the SM.82 was almost a fixed target for both flak and fighter opposition.
Among other episodes, on 2 November 1942, seven (or six depending on source) SM.82s were forced to land (or crashed) by only three Beaufighters. On 12 November 1942, six Beaufighters downed an entire formation of five SM.82s. On 22 November, ten SM.82s were attacked by three Beaufighters, causing much damage and killing or wounding many of the troops inside the unarmoured aircraft. On 10 April 1943, another seven were downed, four more on 16 April, and finally on 19 April 1943 twelve SM.82, one SM.75, and three Fiat G.12s were downed or forced to land.
