WesWorld

Fiat G.55 Centauro Sottoserie 0

Pre-production version. Design modified from previous G.50 with new thinner wing and A.38 engine. All metal structure with steel spars and aluminium-copper alloy covering.

Crew: 1
Length: 10.12m Span: 11.95m Height: 3.26m Wing Area: 26m­^2
Empty Weight: 3,849kg Maximum Weight: 5,890kg
Engine: 1 x 1780cv Fiat A.38 RC.12/40/58
Maximum Speed: 683km/h@5800m
Rate of climb: 21m/s Service ceiling: 11,900m
Combat Radius: 900km
Armament: 2x20mm IFS and 2x13.2mm Breda-SAFAT in wings, 3x500kg hardpoints

Quoted

.. by tending to put short-ranged, high maneuverability fighters operating off grass strips near the front in the Air Force (VVS), while long-range, high altitude fighters operating from permanent bases with concrete runways go in the Anti-Air Defense Force (PVO).

Why would the PVO need long-range fighters? I'd think more short-range, fast-climbing interceptors would make more sense. Long-range fighters in the VVS to support bombers. I suppose who could go for a long-range (or high persistence) fighter like the MiG-31 to stay in the air waiting for attacks, but given the size of Russia you're likely to have more than enough time to scramble interceptors into position. The sheer size of Russia and distance to targets is the best defence.

So Italy is dropping the coupled 12-cylinder engines and going to a 16-cylinder?

Quoted

Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson
So Italy is dropping the coupled 12-cylinder engines and going to a 16-cylinder?

Given the previous protests I decided to go the historical route with the V16. The coupled V12 was just a bit too big, heavy and powerful. This brings it down to a more reasonable size and power.

So what aircraft was the AS.38 V-16 used in?

Quoted

Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson
So what aircraft was the AS.38 V-16 used in?

The Fiat G.55 Centauro

I meant historically, you said you were going the historical route with the V-16.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson
I meant historically, you said you were going the historical route with the V-16.

It was meant historically for the Fiat G.55 but it was redesigned to use the DB605.

The RN's new carrier, Carrier M weighs in at 36,720 tons standard and being 900 feet in length will be the world's biggest on laying down. Perhaps not by completion.

Quoted

Originally posted by Hood
The RN's new carrier, Carrier M weighs in at 36,720 tons standard and being 900 feet in length will be the world's biggest on laying down. Perhaps not by completion.

Depends on when it gets laid down. Andrea Doria is a similar length but quite a bit heavier.