The Ansaldo S.V.A. 5 was a sturdy, fast plane but was not maneuverable enough for a good fighter. Because of its large fuel capacity, most Anslados were used for long range reconnaissance and as light bombers.
The plane had conventional cloth covered wings and a plywood body which tapered dramatically to the tail. The "W" shaped system of wing struts and the triangular cross section of the tail section made the Ansaldo a rugged aircraft.
In 1918, seven Ansaldos from the 87a Squadriglia made a round trip of more than 625 miles to take aerial photos of Vienna and drop leaflets urging the Austrians to surrender.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Italy |
| First Year of Service | 1918 |
| Wing Span | 29.8 ft | 9.1 m |
| Length | 26.6 ft | 8.1 m |
| Height | 10.5 ft | 3.2 m |
| Weight | 2315 lbs | 1050 kg |
| Engine | SPA 6A, 6 cylinder inline, liquid cooled engine, 220hp |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 230 km/h |
| Range | 800 miles | 1280 km |
| Armament | 2 Vickers .303 machine guns |
| Crew | 1 |