SAI.207
Fighter
Ambrosini
The success of the SAI 7 trainer was quite expected for SAI Ambrosini, and the idea came up to create a full-fledged light fighter based on it. So at the end of 1941, the SAI.107 appeared, a wooden cantilever low-wing aircraft with a liquid-cooled engine. The characteristics of the SAI 107 fighter were quite encouraging, and without waiting for the completion of the tests, the Italian Air Force ordered two prototypes for comprehensive testing. The first prototype (number MM.441), equipped with an Isotta Frascini "Delta" RC.35 engine (705 hp), took off in early 1942 from the Castiglione del Lago airfield. The plane was flown by pilot Mario Facioli. On tests, the SAI 207 showed simply impressive performance - its maximum speed reached 630-640 km / h, and the ceiling reached 12,000 meters, while diving, the officially recorded speed reached 750 km / h. The new high-speed SAI.207 was perfect for the role of a high-speed interceptor, especially considering the fact of the increasing power of the Allied aviation.
However, the SAI.207 disaster that followed on December 5, 1942 buried Mario Faccioli under the rubble and interrupted the test cycle, the second prototype (MM.442) took off only in the spring of 1943. This prototype was distinguished by a complete set of weapons (two 12.7 mm and two 7.7 mm machine guns) and a more powerful "Delta" RC.40 engine. The aircraft's superior performance was confirmed and among its category of fighters, SAI.207 was voted the best. The Italian Air Force immediately ordered a pilot batch of 12 aircraft (numbers MM.8425 - MM.8436), built between March and June 1943.
Crew |
1 |
Dimensions |
Wing span, m |
9.00 |
Wing area, m² |
13.90 |
Length, m |
8.02 |
Height, m |
2.40 |
Powerplant |
1 × PE Isotta-Fraschini Delta RC40, power, hp |
750 |
Weight, kg |
Empty |
1,750 |
Loaded weight |
2,415 |
Performance |
Maximum speed, km/h |
625 |
Cruising speed, km/h |
504 |
Rate of climb, m/min |
800 |
Service range, km |
850 |
Service ceiling, m |
12,000 |
Armament |
Two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns (175 rounds each)
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