Fiat G.91

The Fiat G.91, a lightweight fighter‑attack aircraft developed by the Italian manufacturer Fiat, entered service in the late 1950s as a response to NATO’s requirement for a versatile, inexpensive jet capable of operating from short, rough airfields. First flying on 15 July 1955, the prototype impressed with its robust design, rapid climb rate and reliable handling, leading to production approval in 1958. Powered by a single afterburning turbo‑jet, the G.91 could reach speeds of Mach 0.94, carry up to 1,000 kg of ordnance on under‑wing pylons, and was equipped with a 20 mm cannon for close‑air support. Its simple yet sturdy airframe, fold‑able wings, and low maintenance needs made it especially suited for forward operating bases throughout Europe. The aircraft served with the Italian Air Force, West German Luftwaffe, and several other NATO members, accumulating over 1 million flight hours and more than 500 combat sorties during the Yugoslav Wars and Cold‑War exercises. The G.91’s success demonstrated the viability of cost‑effective, multi‑role jets, influencing later designs such as the Panavia Tornado and cementing its legacy as a pivotal bridge between early jet fighters and modern multirole combat aircraft.

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