With the acquisition by the Armada del Peru of the former Italian aircraft carrier
Giovanni Caboto the decision was made to acquire a quantity of Ariete fighter-bomber aircraft to form a part of the Armada’s latest flagship,
Lima. Unfortunately changing defense priorities and difficulties in procuring spares for the
Lima led to a decision to dispose of it to the Argentine Navy in the latter part of 1948.
The Ariete fighters of the Lima’s air group were transferred to the Fuerza Aerea del Peru to serve in a land-based role, allowing formation of two fighter units initially based at Callao.
Crew: One
Length: 10.00 m
Wingspan: 12.00 m
Height: 4.25 m
Wing area: 28.00 m2
Empty weight: 4,190 kg
Loaded weight: 5,600 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 6,645 kg
Powerplant: 1 × SAI R.25 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engines 2,500 hp
Performance
Maximum speed: 740 km/h at 5,500 m
Cruise speed: 415 km/h
Range: 1,200 km with internal fuel; 1,775 km with two drop tanks
Endurance: 2.5 hr cruise + 30 min combat
Service ceiling: 10,910 m
Rate of climb: 21.9 m/s
Armament
Guns: 4 × 20 mm IFS cannon
Hardpoints: (total maximum hardpoint load, 1000kg)
One centerline rated for 1000kg (Plumbed, Bombs), or
Two wing rated for 500kg (Plumbed, Bombs), or
Two wing rated for 250kg (Rocket racks)