One of the most distinctive and memorable aircraft in history comes to us Microsoft flight simulator.
Today we are pleased to introduce the fourth aircraft in the Microsoft flight simulator “Local Legends” series p.55. The Local Legends series celebrates aviation history and this aircraft, a twin-engine flying boat from Italian aerospace manufacturer Savoia-Marchetti of Milan, is linked to our latest World Update IX: Italy and Malta. It features a catamaran fuselage design, twin tail booms, triple vertical stabilizers and a tractor-thrust motor propulsion system mounted over the main wing. Constructed primarily of wood, the seaplane’s cockpit is located in the forward center section of the main wing, and its fuselages can be configured to carry a range of fuel, passenger and cargo combinations.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_03-4bb34c0c9191d6b5493a.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
Savoia-Marchetti conceived the unique vehicle in the interwar period to perform military duties, primarily that of a torpedo bomber, with its payload (which could also contain bombs) being slung under the centerline of the main wing between its two fuselages. The premise was that the S.55 could wait at sea and monitor an area for approaching ships, then launch and attack. The seaplane shot into the sky for the first time in August 1924. While initially disapproving of the concept, the Italian military commissioned the flying boat in 1926. Her enduring legacy is her operation as the aircraft of choice for a number of long-haul flights, particularly transatlantic voyages.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_02-82b204e6ab5c7689ca29.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
This prototype version of the S.55, Jahú, was flown by Brazilian aviator João Ribeiro de Barros from Genoa, Italy to Sao Paulo, Brazil, completing the incredible journey in 1927. The inspirational journey marked the first time aviators had come here the western hemisphere completed a transatlantic flight. The Jahú is the last surviving Savoia-Marchetti p.55 and is on display at the TAM Museum in the Brazilian city of São Carlos.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_05-29008b7302196e45a10e.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
This version of the S.55 features two 510 hp water-cooled Isotta Fraschini V-12 engines in tractor-slider configuration, each turning twin-bladed wooden propellers and providing a cruising speed of approximately 110 mph.
p.55X
This model, the 1933 S.55X, represents the last and most advanced iteration of the airframe produced. Only 25 were built. With an 800hp Isotta Fraschini W-18 engine driving three-bladed metal propellers and upgraded instrumentation, the S.55X offers the highest performance and longest range of any S.55 variant.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_06-dcfbe8d4b2828c2c24f8.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
Shortly after their completion, all 25 “X” models took part in a transatlantic mass formation flight known as the “Decennial Air Cruise” commanded by General Italo Balbo of the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal Air Force). This flight from Rome to the World’s Fair of the Century of Progress in Chicago in 1933 is one of the greatest success stories in aviation history. It showcased the quality of the S.55X’s design and craftsmanship, the intrepidity and skill of the Italian aviators, and demonstrated that transatlantic passenger service by air was feasible.
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_04-48fd6fd082b7668ecc9b.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
The Savoia-Marchetti S.55 and S.55X are available as a package Microsoft flight simulator In-SIM Marketplace today for $14.99. We will continue to introduce planes to the Local Legends series in the coming months. Heaven is calling!
![Microsoft Flight Simulator - Local Legends 4 - p.55 Savoia-Marchetti](https://i0.wp.com/news.xbox.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/MSFS_S55_Screenshots_10-ba7d09d82985add46325.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
Microsoft flight simulator is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows and Steam, as well as on Xbox One and supported lower-spec phones, tablets and PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft flight simulatorStay tuned @MSFSOfficial on twitter.