G.91R/3

The Fiat G.91R/3 is a specialized two‑seat variant of the Italian‑designed G.91 light‑attack and trainer aircraft, produced by Fiat Aviazione in the late 1970s. Originating from the successful G.91 series that first entered service with the Italian Air Force in 1959, the R/3 was created to meet a NATO requirement for a fast‑jet trainer capable of weapons‑delivery training. Only three airframes were built, each equipped with a more powerful afterburning Bristol Siddeley Orpheus Mk 803 engine delivering 4,300 lbf thrust, which gave the aircraft a top speed of Mach 0.93 at sea level. The R/3 retained the rugged low‑wing layout, all‑metal construction, and simple maintenance philosophy of its predecessors, but added a detachable second cockpit, provision for four underwing stores, and an advanced avionics suite including a head‑up display and NATO‑standard data link. Though it never entered mass production, the G.91R/3 demonstrated the adaptability of the G.91 airframe to modern training and light‑attack roles, influencing later designs such as the G.91T and informing the development of Italy’s later fighter‑trainer programs. Its brief operational history underscores Fiat’s contribution to flexible, cost‑effective jet solutions during the Cold War.