SAI.7

The SAI.7 was a light, single‑engine aircraft produced by the Italian company SAI Ambrosini in the late 1930s and after World War II. Designed initially as a high‑performance trainer and sport plane, the first prototype flew in 1937, showcasing a sleek low‑wing monoplane layout with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear – features unusual for Italian trainers of the era. Powered by a 240 hp Alfa Romeo 115 engine, the SAI.7 could reach speeds of 380 km/h, giving pilots a valuable introduction to the handling characteristics of contemporary fighters. During the war the type was limited to civilian use, but a militarised version, the SAI.7B, entered service with the Regia Aeronautica as an advanced trainer and liaison aircraft. Post‑war, Ambrosini resumed production, fitting the airframe with more powerful Walter Minor or de Havilland Gipsy engines, and the model became popular in Italian flying clubs, where its agile handling and low operating costs were prized. The SAI.7’s blend of modern aerodynamics, versatility and affordable performance helped bridge the gap between basic trainers and frontline combat aircraft, cementing its place as a milestone in Italian general‑aviation development.