Summary
The Ambrosini SAI.10 Grifone ("Griffon") was a military trainer aircraft produced in small numbers for the Italian Regia Aeronautica early in World War II.
| SAI.10 Grifone | |
|---|---|
| |
| SAI.10 Grifone | |
| Role | Military trainer |
| Manufacturer | Ambrosini |
| Designer | Camillo Silvia |
| First flight | 1939 |
| Primary user | Regia Aeronautica |
| Number built | 10 |
History edit
With the approach of war, the Ministero dell' Aeronautica began a programme to increase the number of pilots available, and ordered a prototype primary trainer from Ambrosini. This aircraft, a parasol monoplane of mixed construction, first flew on July 8, 1939, with Guiliano Ferrari at the controls. A production batch of 50 was ordered, but this was quickly reduced to just 10 machines, all of which were delivered in 1940.[1]
Variants edit
Production aircraft differed by having a Fiat A.50 radial engine in place of the prototype's CNA D. Other engine fits that were tried included an example with a Siemens-Halske Sh 14, and one with an Alfa Romeo 110; this latter machine was designated SAI.11. Another experimental development that did not enter production was a float-equipped SAI.10 Gabbiano ("Seagull").
Operators edit
Specifications edit
Data from Italian Civil and Military Aircraft 1930–1945[2]
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and instructor
- Length: 6.50 m (21 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 10.30 m (33 ft 9.5 in)
- Height: 2.10 m (6 ft 10.75 in)
- Wing area: 14.3 m2 (154 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 400 kg (880 lb)
- Gross weight: 615 kg (1,353 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Fiat A.50 radial , 63 kW (85 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 187 km/h (116 mph, 101 kn)
- Cruise speed: 161 km/h (100 mph, 87 kn)
References edit
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- Thompson, Jonathan W. (1963). Italian Civil and Military Aircraft 1930–1945. Aero Publishers.
