G.91, Fiat / Aeritalia - FIGHTER PLANES (2024)

The Italian G.91 was declared winner of a NATO-competition for a lightweight strike aircraft, but of course most NATO members had second thoughts after their own aircraft had lost the competition, and the G.91 was used only by Germany and Italy. It is a small swept-wing subsonic aircraft, similar in appearance to the F-86K. 450 were built, the majority of them in Germany. The G.91Y was a twin-engined development, a change that demanded a virtually complete redesign. The G.91Y was less successful, because the basic concept was outmoded at the time. 67 built.

The Aeritalia G.91, also known as the Fiat G.91 and nicknamed Gina, was an Italian fighter aircraft that was intended to serve as standard equipment for NATO air forces in the 1960s. It was eventually only adopted by three – the Italian Air Force, West Germany’s Luftwaffe, and the Portuguese Air Force but enjoyed a long service life that extended over 35 years.

Technical specifications and dimensions of the G.91R-3, Fiat / Aeritalia

Technical specifications and dimensions of the G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

G.91, Fiat / Aeritalia Development

In 1953, European aircraft manufacturers were invited by NATO to submit aircraft for evaluation for the “Light Weight Strike Fighter” (LWSF) role. The G.91 was designed by the famous Italian engineer Giuseppe Gabrielli, hence the initial of the designation.

The aircraft first flew in August 1956 and the competing designs were evaluated in 1957. Besides the G.91, these included the Northrop N156, Dassault Etendard IV, Sud-Est Baroudeur, Aerfer Ariete and Breguet Taon. Despite the G.91’s impressive performance in trials, the French government preferred to pursue development of the locally-designed Etendard, and the British government ignored the competition to concentrate on HawkerHunterproduction for the same role. In fairness, it should also be pointed out that the Italian government also ordered the G.91 for the Italian Air Force before the results of the competition were known. These pre-production machines would later go on to serve for many years with the Italian aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori.

G.91, Fiat / Aeritalia Service history

The first G.91’s entered service in 1958. Aeritalia built 174 G.91’s for Italy, plus 144 for Germany (including 50 that had been ordered and then cancelled by Greece and Turkey). Another 294 were built in Germany by Flugzeug-Union Süd (a consortium of Messerschmitt, Heinkel, and Dornier). These were the first jet combat aircraft built in Germany since the Second World War. The type was also considered by Austria, Norway, Switzerland, and even the United States Army, which briefly evaluated the type as a possible Forward Air Control (FAC) aircraft before relinquishing all fixed-wing aircraft operations to the USAF. From 1961, Portugal began to purchase the G.91 to deploy to her former African colonies of Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and Angola in the close-support role. The first 40 were purchased second-hand from the Luftwaffe out of the aircraft that had originally been produced for Greece and which differed from the rest of the Luftwaffe G.91s sufficiently to create maintenance problems. The aircraft replaced theF-86Sabres, which were withdrawn following US protests over the use of these aircraft that had originally been supplied for defensive purposes. Portuguese G.91s continued in this role until the withdrawal from Africa in 1975. Portugal finally phased out the last of her G.91s in 1993, and Italy in 1995.

The G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

An additional 67 aircraft built by Aeritalia were significantly uprated from earlier versions. These aircraft, designated G.91Y replaced the original Bristol-Siddeley Orpheus engine with two General Electric J85 units. The G.91Y first flew in 1966 and displayed a vast improvement in speed, range, payload, and maneuverability. It increased maximum speed to 600 kt (1,110 km/h, Mach 0.91). The machine guns were replaced by a pair of DEFA 552 30mm cannon with 125 rounds per gun.

The G.91Y, developed by Fiat / Aeritalia, represents a notable advancement in the lineage of fighter aircraft. This Italian-made aircraft, often referred to simply as “Yankee,” is a testament to European aviation innovation and prowess in the Cold War era’s military landscape. Let’s delve into its history, design, and operational use to appreciate its significance in the world of fighter planes.

Historical Background of The G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

The G.91Y was conceived as an enhanced version of the earlier G.91, a light fighter-bomber that first flew in 1956. The G.91 had been designed in response to a NATO competition for a lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective tactical support aircraft. Building on the success of the original G.91, the G.91Y aimed to offer increased power, range, and payload capacity, addressing the Italian Air Force’s need for a more robust attack capability.

Technical Specifics of The G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

At the heart of the G.91Y‘s improvements were two General Electric J85-GE-13 turbojet engines, replacing the single engine of its predecessor. This change significantly boosted its performance, allowing for higher speeds, greater thrust, and improved overall efficiency. The aircraft’s maximum speed reached approximately 1,075 km/h (668 mph), and it showcased a commendable service ceiling of 13,000 meters (42,650 feet).

Equipped with a more sophisticated avionics suite, the G.91Y was better suited for all-weather operations. It also featured increased fuel capacity and was armed with two 30 mm DEFA cannons, along with provisions for various munitions on four underwing hardpoints, including bombs, rockets, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for air-to-air combat.

Operational Use of The G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

The G.91Y primarily served with the Italian Air Force, where it excelled in the ground-attack role. It was introduced in the late 1960s, marking a significant period of transition and modernization within the Italian military aviation sector. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short runways and its adaptability to a range of missions made it an invaluable asset.

Throughout its service life, the G.91Y demonstrated reliability and effectiveness, particularly in training and tactical support roles. However, like many military aircraft of its era, it eventually became overshadowed by more advanced technology and was phased out in favor of newer, more capable fighter jets.

Legacy of The G.91Y, Fiat / Aeritalia

The G.91Y holds a special place in aviation history as a symbol of Italy’s post-war aerospace achievement. While not as widely recognized as some contemporaries, its contribution to military aviation, especially in the context of NATO’s tactical air forces, remains significant. Today, the G.91Y is celebrated by aviation enthusiasts and historians alike for its role in advancing the capabilities and effectiveness of light attack aircraft.

In summary, the G.91Y underscores Fiat / Aeritalia’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of military aviation. Its development and operational use reflect the evolving requirements of aerial warfare and the ongoing quest for performance, versatility, and efficiency in fighter aircraft design.