Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fiat_G55.jpg
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2 comments
A very worthy design for it’s time. It was in action from 1943.Although the Bf 109G had more hp the Fiat G55 was a better fighter overall. It could go 417 mph and climb with the 109G-5 at high altitude. It handled better at all altitudes than any other axis fighter in spite of packing 5 guns. It was also sturdier than any other inline Axis fighter. The Fw 190A was as good until it waned at such high altitudes.
One version sported 5 Mauser 20-mm cannons to knock down heavy bombers. One source said 200 of these were in action.
For some perspective, it was out rolled by the MC205 but the G55 had better turn especially up high.
(the Macchi 205 could out-turn Spitfires it met in combat) So the G55 with only 1 cn and 4 mgs could do the same perhaps even with 5 cns (G55-II) in view of its much superior stall performance to the 205. The 3 cn, 2 mg main version was at least the equal of the Spitfire in 1943. It had more toughness and dive acceleration, better range too. The pedestrian speed of 385 mph is at normal not emergency power. This was the same as the Bf 109G-6 with 100 more hp! With a non export DB 605AS boosted pwerplant it may have the speed of the G-10! Its only weakness may be that its production time was closer to the Spitfire than the Gustav. If produced in Germany this would have also been 1/3 more effecient!
The Fiat G56 had Bf 109K speed and 3cns. Of course Italy was on the sidelines by then. But at one point Germany came close to producing the Centauro as a top Axis fighter! The G55 / 56 series was certainly a worthy design for that and more.