Fiat G.12

The Fiat G.12 was a four‑engine transport aircraft produced by Fiat Aviazione in the 1940s. Developed from the earlier G.8 reconnaissance plane, the G.12 first flew on 23 July 1940 and entered service with the Regia Aeronautica shortly thereafter. Powered by four Alfa Romeo 128 R.C.21 radial engines delivering 750 hp each, the low‑wing monoplane featured a spacious fuselage capable of carrying up to 30 fully equipped troops, 3 000 kg of cargo, or 30 paratroopers for airborne operations. Its retractable under‑carriage and tail gave the aircraft good handling characteristics and a maximum speed of about 350 km/h, with a range of 2 300 km and a service ceiling of 7 500 m. After the armistice, the G.12 was taken over by the Italian Co‑Bellici and later by the Aeronautica Militare, where it served as a transport and liaison platform until the late 1950s. The type demonstrated Fiat’s ability to move from fighter design to reliable heavy transport, influencing later Italian transports such as the Fiat G.212 and establishing a foundation for Italy’s post‑war civil aviation expansion. Several examples were also sold to the Argentine and Paraguayan air forces, where they proved valuable for regional supply missions and reinforced the aircraft’s reputation as a versatile workhorse.

Fiat Aviazione

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