Aviation of World War II
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Aviation of World War II |
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SAIMAN 200
The Saiman 200 training aircraft was built at the end of 1938 and was intended for initial training of military aviation pilots. It was a typical all-wood biplane of those years with a two-seater cockpit and a fixed wide-track landing gear. The aircraft was equipped with an Alfa Romeo 115 in-line engine with a power of 185 hp. The first two Saiman 200s were purchased by the Ala Littoria airline, and from 1940 to 1941. 140 production copies were delivered to the needs of the Italian Air Force, of which 115 were built by Caproni-Vizolla and 25 by Saiman itself. Several accidents occurred during the first training flights, which led to the strengthening of the aircraft structure, after which the Saiman 200 was successfully operated in Italian Air Force flying schools and to provide communications within the country. The last aircraft were in service until 1947 Several vehicles were transferred to coalition allies. At least 25 Saiman 200 trainers went to Croatia and served there until July 1944, when the remnants of Croatian aviation were distributed to Luftwaffe units. In total, three aircraft in flying condition were handed over to the Germans. Two of them were lost as a result of accidents, and the third flew until the complete liberation of Yugoslavia. In addition to the main modification, three copies of the Saiman 205 model were also produced, which differed only in that it had an Alfa Romeo 110 engine with a power of 120 hp.
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SAIMAN 202
According to the requirements of the Italian Ministry of Aviation, Mario Bottini designed the training and sports low-wing aircraft SAIMAN 202. The prototype, registered I-BOTT, made its first flight in early 1938. The plane was distinguished by its clean aerodynamics. The landing gear was non-retractable, the wheels of the main supports were covered with fairings, the engine was a de Havilland Gipsy Major with a power of 120 hp. With. The first aircraft were built in a civilian version. By December 31, 1939, 27 SAIMAN 202 and two SAIMAN 202bis were delivered to private individuals. RUNA, the Italian government organization responsible for training sport pilots with additional military training, acquired two SAIMAN 202s and four SAIMAN 202/1s, while SAIMAN retained two SAIMAN 202s (including the prototype) and a single SAIMAN 204R . Nine more civilian aircraft were sold in 1940. The SAIMAN 202bis differed only in the cabin interior, while the design of the SAIMAN 202/1 underwent significant changes, its mass production began in May 1939. The fuselage was changed, the tail was moved, and the instrumentation was improved. Especially for the prestigious competition of tourist aircraft "IV Avio Raduno del Littorio", scheduled for the summer of 1939, two SAIMAN 202 RL with an Alfa Romeo 1101 engine were built, which were then standardized for the civilian market. The wingspan was reduced, the second SAIMAN 202 RL was built with an extended four-seater cabin, and the bow was also lengthened to accommodate the installation of a 185-horsepower Alfa Romeo 115 engine. To meet the Italian Air Force's need for a training aircraft, in October 1939 they ordered the SAIMAN 202/M with a simplified design to reduce the cost of the machine. 215 of these aircraft were built by subcontracting firms - 85 "C.N.A." and 65 "SACA". These machines, in addition to the Air Force, were used by various sports teams in Italy. SAIMAN 202/M were used to transport staff officers of the Italian Air Force, military attaches in Berlin, Bucharest and Budapest. Many aircraft went to the Allies as trophies.
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Aircraft
