Aerfer Sagittario 2 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Role | Prototype fighter |
| First flight | 19 May 1956 |
| Built | 2 |
The Aerfer Sagittario 2 (Italian for sagittarius) was a prototype all-metal single-seat lightweight fighter aircraft built in Italy by Aerfer, intended to serve as an interceptor or light tactical support aircraft. First flown in 1956, it became the first Italian aircraft to break the sound barrier in controlled flight when it reached Mach 1.1 during a dive from 13,725 m (45,000 ft).
Source: Aerfer Sagittario 2 on Wikipedia
| Aerfer Sagittario 2 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Giacomo Gramazio |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 13 |
See also:
General Characteristics
The Aerfer Sagittario 2 (Italian for “Sagittarius” or “Archer”) was an Italian prototype single-seat lightweight jet fighter developed in the mid-1950s. It is historically significant as the first Italian aircraft to break the sound barrier in a controlled flight, achieving Mach 1.1 in a dive on December 4, 1956. Developed from the piston-engined Ambrosini S.7 trainer, the Sagittario 2 was an all-metal design intended to compete for the NATO standard lightweight fighter contract, which was ultimately won by the Fiat G.91.
| Property | Typical Value (Sagittario 2) |
|---|---|
| Role | Prototype Interceptor / Lightweight Fighter |
| Manufacturer | Aerfer (Aeronautica Ferrovie) |
| First Flight | May 19, 1956 |
| No. Built | 2 (Prototypes) |
| Crew | 1 (Pilot) |
| Length | 9.50 m (31 ft 2 in) |
| Wingspan | 7.50 m (24 ft 7 in) |
| Wing Area | 14.73 m² (158.6 sq ft) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 3,293 kg (7,260 lb) |
Design and Powerplant
- Engine: One Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 centrifugal-flow turbojet.
- Thrust: 16 kN (3,600 lbf).
- Configuration: Low-wing, all-metal monoplane with a tricycle undercarriage. It featured highly swept wings and tail surfaces typical of early jet age designs.
- Engine Placement: The jet engine was mounted in the nose of the fuselage, with the air intake at the front and the exhaust exiting beneath the mid-fuselage. This ventral exhaust configuration was a key distinguishing feature.
- Cockpit: Equipped with a bubble canopy providing excellent visibility.
Performance and Armament
- Maximum Speed (Level Flight): Approximately 1,005–1,050 km/h (625–652 mph, 543–567 knots) at sea level.
- Mach Achievement: Reached Mach 1.1 in a controlled dive.
- Service Ceiling: 12,000 m – 14,000 m (39,000 ft – 46,000 ft).
- Rate of Climb: Approximately 42 m/s (8,300 ft/min).
- Range: 765 km (475 mi, 413 nmi).
- Fixed Armament: Two 30 mm (1.181 in) Hispano-Suiza HSS 825 L/70 cannon (nose-mounted, 300 rounds per gun capacity).
- Hardpoints: Two underwing hardpoints for external stores, with a capacity of 318 kg (701 lb), which could carry:
- Bombs: 2 x 227 kg (500 lb) bombs.
- Rockets: 12 x 7.62 cm (3 in) rockets.
- Successor: The Sagittario 2 served as the basis for the more advanced, but still experimental, Aerfer Ariete, which added a Rolls-Royce Soar auxiliary jet engine for enhanced climb performance.
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