Aerfer Ariete
Aerfer · Italy · first flew 1958 · fighter
The Aerfer Ariete (Ram) was an Italian prototype fighter of 1958, a refined derivative of the Sagittario 2 that added a retractable-intake Rolls-Royce Soar auxiliary turbojet to the nose-mounted Derwent for extra climb and sprint power.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian supersonic delta-wing fighter prototype
- Nose intake with prominent central cone
- Mixed turbojet and rocket propulsion for climb performance
The Ariete's delta wing, prominent nose intake with central shock cone, and single fin give it a configuration similar to contemporary European delta fighters such as the Dassault Mirage; its very small size distinguishes it from these heavier types.
Specifications
- The Aerfer Ariete has a length of 9.6 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.5 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1125 km/h (699 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed as a follow-on to the Sagittario 2, the Ariete first flew in 1958 and achieved supersonic performance. Despite its impressive capabilities, it was not ordered into production as Italy chose to procure American types through MAP, and Aerfer lacked the resources for full development.
Variants
Two prototypes were built and no production followed. A rocket-boosted version, the Leone, was abandoned before a prototype was built.
Where you'll see it
Never entered production or operational service; evaluated only as a prototype.
Related aircraft
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