| G.91Y | |
|---|---|
| A Fiat G.91Y at Ramstein Air Base in 1986. | |
| Role | Fighter-bomber |
| Manufacturer | Fiat Aviazione Aeritalia |
| First flight | 27 December 1966 |
| Primary user | Aeronautica Militare |
| Produced | 1966-1972 |
| Number built | 67 |
| Developed from | Fiat G.91 |
The Fiat G.91Y was an Italian ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft that first flew in 1966. Resembling its predecessor, the Fiat G.91 the aircraft was a complete redesign, a major difference being its twin-turbojet engines.
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The G.91Y was an increased performance version of the Fiat G.91 funded by the Italian government. Based on the G.91T two-seat trainer variant the single Bristol Orpheus turbojet engine of this aircraft was replaced with two afterburning General Electric J85 turbojets which increased thrust by 60% over the single-engined variant.[1] Structural modifications to reduce airframe weight increased performance further and an additional fuel tank occupying the space of the G.91T's rear seat provided extra range. Combat manoeuvrability was improved with the addition of automatic leading edge slats.[1]
The avionics equipment of the G.91Y was considerably upgraded with many of the American, British and Canadian systems being licence-manufactured in Italy.[1]
Flight testing of three pre-production aircraft was successful with one aircraft reaching a maximum speed of Mach 0.98. Airframe buffeting was noted and was rectified in production aircraft by raising the position of the tailplane slightly.
An initial order of 55 aircraft for the Italian Air Force was completed by Fiat in March 1971, by which time the company had changed its name to Aeritalia. The order was increased to 75 aircraft with 67 eventually being delivered.
A Fiat G.91Y is preserved and on public display at the Italian Air Force Museum, Vigna di Valle near Rome.[4]
Data from The Observer's Book of Aircraft.[2]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
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