Le Fiat G.91 Il è un caccia a reazione italiano progettato e costruito dalla Fiat Aviazione, che in seguito si fuse in Aeritalia. Il G.91 ha le sue origini nella competizione NBMR-1 organizzata dalla NATO nel 1953, che ha cercato un cacciabombardiere leggero "Light Weight Strike Fighter" da adottare come equipaggiamento standard in tutte le forze aeree delle varie nazioni NATO. Dopo aver esaminato più invii, il G.91 è stato scelto come progetto vincente del concorso NBMR-1.
The Fiat G.91 was a lightweight, low-cost jet fighter designed in Italy to fulfill a NATO requirement for a “Light Weight Strike Fighter” (LWFS) in the 1950s. The G.91R/3 was the primary variant procured by the West German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The ‘R’ designation signifies its primary role in tactical reconnaissance, achieved by installing a camera nose section containing three Vinten cameras. The G.91R/3 also retained substantial ground attack capabilities, making it a versatile light fighter-bomber. It was rugged, simple to maintain, and capable of operating from rough forward airstrips, fitting the original NATO doctrine for decentralized combat operations. It became the backbone of the Luftwaffe’s light attack force for two decades.
Italy (License-built by Dornier/Focke-Wulf in Germany)
Produttore
Fiat Aviazione (now Aeritalia), Dornier, Focke-Wulf
First Flight (G.91)
Il 9 agosto 1956
Equipaggio
1 (Pilot)
Lunghezza
10.30 m (33 ft 9 in)
Apertura alare
8.56 m (28 ft 1 in)
Altezza
4.00 m (13 ft 1 in)
Empty Weight
3,100 kg (6,834 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight
5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
Powerplant and Performance
Engine: 1 x Bristol Siddeley Orpheus Mk. 803 turbojet.
Thrust: 22.2 kN (5,000 lbf).
Maximum Speed: 1,075 km/h (668 mph; 580 kn) at sea level (Mach 0.86).
Range (Combat): 400 km (250 mi; 220 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 13,100 m (43,000 ft).
Armament and Reconnaissance
Fixed Armament: 4 x 30 mm DEFA cannons (G.91R/3 variant) or 4 x 12.7 mm Browning machine guns (other variants).
Hardpoints: 4 underwing hardpoints.
Maximum Payload: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), including bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks.
Reconnaissance: The G.91R/3 features three forward and side-facing Vinten cameras in the nose section for photographic tactical reconnaissance missions.
Service Life: The G.91 served in the Luftwaffe until 1982, when it was replaced by the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet.
