Fiat G.46

Design and development

The G.46 was a conventional, low-wing monoplane with tailwheel undercarriage, the main units of which retracted inwards. The pilot and instructor sat in tandem under a long canopy. The first prototype, powered by a 205 hp (153 kW) Alfa Romeo 115-Ibis engine, made its maiden flight on 25 June 1947.

Testing revealed excellent flying characteristics and suitability for aerobatics, and the type was ordered into production.

Apart from the 150 ordered by the Aeronautica Militare, 70 aircraft were exported, to Austria, Argentina and Syria.

Variants

G.46-1B

two-seater with Alfa Romeo 115bis engine, one prototype and initial production of 25 for the Italian Air Force.

G.46-2B

two-seater with de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine for the Argentine Air Force, 70 built with an additional 12 for the Syrian Air Force.

G.46-3B

two-seater with Alfa Romeo 115ter engine for the Italian Air Force, 25 built.

G.46-4B

two-seater with Alfa Romeo 115ter engine for the Italian Air Force, 55 built.

G.46-5B

two-seat navigation trainer (prototype only)

G.46-4A

single-seater with Alfa Romeo 115ter engine for the Italian Air Force, 35 built.

Operators

 Argentina

Argentine Air Force operated 70 Fiat G.46

 Austria

Austrian Air Force operated five former Italian Air Force G-46Bs.

 Italy

Italian Air Force operated 141 Fiat G.46 from 1949 until 1960

 Syria

Syrian Air Force operated 12 G-46Bs

Survivors

An ex-Argentine Air Force aircraft is displayed at the Museo Nacional de Aeronautica de Argentina.

A flightworthy G-46-3B which has been converted to a single-seat aircraft is on display at the Frasca Air Museum in Champagne, Illinois. The aircraft was originally in the service of the Italian air force.

A G-46-3B is currently on display and undergoing restoration to airworthy at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Specifications (G.46-4B)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1953–54

General characteristics

Crew: two, pilot and instructor

Length: 8.48 m (27 ft 10 in)

Wingspan: 10.40 m (34 ft 1¼ in)

Height: 2.40 m (7 ft 10 in)

Wing area: 16 m² (173 ft²)

Empty weight: 1,110 kg (2,442 lb)

Gross weight: 1,410 kg (3,102 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × Alfa Romeo 115-1ter air-cooled 6-cylinder piston engine, 168 kW (225 hp) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 311 km/h (194 mph)

Cruising speed: 263 km/h (164 mph)

Range: 900 km (560 miles)

Service ceiling: 5,300 m (17,400 ft)

Rate of climb: 5.8 m/s (1,150 ft/min)