This elegant 3-engined aircraft was originally developed by the Italian aeronautical industry in the mid-30s to provide fast postal links with African colonies. Versions of record-breaking speed were soon developed. Its high velocity performance brought it to the World's attention when it was used in a purely military role as a bomber and when, during World War Two, it was extensively used as a torpedo bomber in the Mediterranean: despite poor defensive weaponry and crew protection, its successes against allied shipping were numerous.