Fiat G.46-1B

Fiat Aviazione · Italy · first flew 1947 · light aircraft

The Fiat G.46-1B was a sub-variant of the G.46 two-seat advanced trainer, a clean low-wing monoplane designed by Fiat to meet post-war Italian and export training requirements.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.47 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Post-war Italian two-seat advanced trainer
Low-wing monoplane, tandem cockpits under long canopy
Fiat G.46 family, widely exported

A neat low-wing monoplane with a long tandem canopy over two crew stations, retractable undercarriage, and a prominent spinner on the inline engine; the clean lines and symmetrical tail distinguish the G.46 from wartime trainer designs.

Specifications

The Fiat G.46-1B has a length of 8.47 m (28 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.4 m (34 ft).
Its maximum speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Fiat G.46 was developed in the late 1940s as Italy rebuilt its aviation industry after World War II, becoming one of the most important Italian training aircraft of the early Cold War era. The type served with the Italian Air Force's training schools and was exported to Argentina and other operators. The G.46 family covered several sub-variants differing in engine fit and minor details.

Variants

The G.46 family included the 1A, 1B, 3B, 4A, and 4B sub-variants; the 1B used a de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine, while later variants introduced more powerful Alfa Romeo or Alvis powerplants.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) as a standard advanced trainer through the 1950s; exported to Argentina and Syria.

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