It had a wingspan of 15.5 m (51 ft), a maximum takeoff weight of 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) including fuel, bombs and four crew, and entered production in 1926.

Apart from the two machine guns in the aft and forward fuselage, both mounted in uncovered positions, the possibility of fitting an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon was explored, but never put into service.

This was the most successful Italian flying boat outside Italy, with at least one being acquired by Japan for its naval aviation service, several by Romania, and 40 by Spain, some of which were license-built.

Since the aircraft of those times were not capable of great speeds, several were used at the Desenzano "high-speed flying school" in Italy, as well as continued to serve as reconnaissance bombers.

The next derivative, the SM.78, with over a ton more weight and 20% more power; could carry a greater fuel load, effectively doubling the range; and was slightly faster than the SM.62bis.