Windsock Datafile 122

Ansaldo SVA 9/10

by Gregory Alegi

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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Often overlooked in modelling circles by its single seat predecessor, the Ansaldo SVA “dual cabs” deserve recognition in their own right.

These aircraft retained the fuselage structure of the original fighter but were provided with an enlarged cockpit by removing the forward fuel tank. The main deviation was to increase the area of the unequal-span wings, which would compensate for the extra loading.

Thus was born the Ansaldo unarmed two-seat trainer and armed observation types. The former was known as the SVA 9 and the latter received the designation SVA 10.

The aircraft served for nearly two decades and when the armament was stripped from the SVA 10, the two types externally were virtually indistinguishable from one another.

Albatros Productions have decided to cover these machines in their latest release of the Datafile series.

Thirty six pages are contained within the soft card covers. The A4 format allows for the excellent reproduction of images and the publishers have taken full advantage of this. There are over 90 black and white archive photographs with a further 7 pictures in colour.

The attractive livery of these machines is showcased with three excellent profiles from Bob Pearson and cover art by Danilo Renzulli.

As usual in this series, there are both 1:72 and 1:48 scale general arrangements provided. These are drawn and traced by Colin Owers and are based on official SVA 9drawings.

The detail is first-rate with both fuselage and wing structures also provided.

Gregory Alegi supplies the well-informed text to make this one of the best single references yet on this modest aircraft.
 

There is not a lot in the English language about these Italian aircraft and it is refreshing to see these lesser known types in print.

Its pleasing aesthetic look and attractive colour schemes should make it a popular subject amongst WWI enthusiasts. This book will go a long way towards promoting this view.

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2007 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 13 March, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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