Magnificent trimotor bomber.

Forced down by Israeli jets when it allegedly violated Israeli airspace, in 1959! This airframe is now in the museum at Vigna di Valle. Photo by: Moshe Pridan / National Photo Collection of Israel

Perhaps the most famous Italian aircraft of WWII, the S.M.79 was initially designed as an airliner and was tested in October 1934. The Regia Aeronautica soon became interested in the design and used it as a medium bomber and topedo attack aircraft. Thi S.M.79 is one of only two complete frames in existance. It was built in July 1942 as MM.24499 and flew numerous active missions during WWII. In November 1949 it was transferred to Lebanon with three other examples, remaining in service in until January 1959. The plane was donated by Lebanon to the Caproni museum in 1993.

Raven II delivered on 17 September 2006.

Raven II delivered to Lebanon on 6 February 2006

One of four SM.79s used by Lebanon after the war. Three starred in the movie They who dare (1954). Photo from: Axis & Allies Paintworks

This is former Swiss Air Force Vampire J-1139

The Lebanese Air Force has re-introduced three of its Bulldogs for fixed wing training after receiving Ce-208 Caravans.

Over 1,200 examples of the tri-motor SM.79 medium and torpedo bomber were built from 1934 onwards. Originally designed as a fast passenger transport, it picked up some 26 world records before seeing extensive wartime service. After WW2 three were passed to the embryonic Lebanese Air Force and after lying derelict for many years, this one (ex MM24499) was gifted back to Italy for restoration. It now forms the magnificent centrepiece of the Caproni Museum at Trento and is one of only two complete examples left in the world, the other displayed at the Italian Air Force museum near Rome.