Fiat G.91Y

Fiat Aviazione · Italy · first flew 1966 · fighter

The Fiat G.91Y was an improved twin-engine development of the G.91 light fighter-bomber, entering service with the Italian Air Force in 1971. The two General Electric J85 engines gave it substantially greater thrust and performance than the single-engine G.91R.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsLow-mounted, swept
E — Engines2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — FuselageSide-by-side fuselage-embedded jet intakes below wing roots
T — TailConventional

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Spot it by:

Visually similar to the G.91R but with a noticeably wider fuselage centre section housing two engines; the paired oval air intakes on either side of the lower fuselage below the wing roots are the key identification feature.

Specifications

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

History

Developed from the Fiat G.91 at the request of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, the G.91Y first flew in 1966 and entered squadron service in 1971. The twin J85 installation roughly doubled the available thrust, improving payload and performance while retaining the small airframe. It served as Italy's primary light attack aircraft through the 1970s.

Variants

The G.91Y was itself the main variant, distinct from the single-engine G.91R and G.91T trainer; a small number of two-seat pre-series aircraft were also built.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively by the Aeronautica Militare Italiana from 1971 until retirement in the 1990s, replaced by the AMX International AMX.

Related aircraft

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