The SM.102 was developed from the abandoned SM.101 single-engined light transport monoplane.

It had an enclosed cabin for two crew and eight passengers and the prototype was powered by two 500 hp (373 kW) Ranger SGV-770C-1B engines, one mounted on the leading edge of each wing.

The prototype was demonstrated in India and both the Middle and Far East without the success of any orders so it was decided to modify the design to meet a requirement for a light transport for the Italian Air Force.

The new version was re-engined with two 450 hp (336 kW) Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engines and first flew on 7 April 1950.

A small production run for the Italian Air Force followed.