SAI.3

The SAI.3, conceived by the Italian firm SAI Ambrosini in the late 1930s, was a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane designed primarily for advanced training and liaison duties. Development began in 1938 as a response to the Regia Aeronautica’s demand for a versatile aircraft that could bridge the gap between basic trainers and frontline fighters. Powered by a 240‑hp Alfa Romeo 115 engine, the SAI.3 featured an all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, retractable landing gear, and a fully enclosed cockpit with dual controls. Its wing employed a thin NACA‑type airfoil, granting a top speed of 340 km/h and a respectable service ceiling of 8,200 meters, while retaining forgiving stall characteristics ideal for student pilots. Production numbers remained modest—approximately 120 units—because the outbreak of World War II shifted manufacturing priorities toward combat aircraft. Nevertheless, the SAI.3 saw extensive service with both the Italian and later the post‑war Aeronautica Militare, where it proved valuable for pilot conversion training and courier missions. The aircraft’s blend of performance, handling, and mechanical simplicity left a lasting impression on Italian aviation, influencing subsequent trainer designs such as the SAI.7 and cementing Ambrosini’s reputation as an innovative aircraft builder.

SAI Ambrosini

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification