WesWorld

The Italian government has been reading reports from the Middle East with concern over the current insurrection. The fractured state of Persia has made accurate reporting difficult. Most official comments have been of puzzlement at the actions of the British and Indians. It seems evident to the government that the current action is a result of a deal struck over the Anglo-Indian Entente. The expansion of India towards the west is once again apparent. The biggest question amongst commentators is what does Britain gain? The current so called police action has essentially become an invasion. Occupation of a significant portion of Persia provides a significant buffer from India to valuable British possessions in the Middle East. It seems Britain has little choice in stopping Indian expansion so a steady trickle of appeasement is being attempted instead. It remains to be seen upon exactly what lines the final dividing lines in Persia will stand.

Equally ominous is the emergence of a new type of large heavy bomber typified by the B-17, P.90 and He 177 in Europe. The Ju-90 and He-177 flying in Germany are especially of concern given the short distance over the Alps to Italy’s industrial heartland. General Douhet was strong proponent of such aircraft throughout the 1920s but Italy current stands without such a type. The future of the air force itself has been subject of considerable debate itself over recent years. The lack of strong proponents has lead to increasing calls for the service to be disbanded and refocused as air arms of the army and navy. The lack of a strategic bomber has definitely limited the air force’s offensive power, with most aircraft already focused along ground and naval support roles. The strongest proposal sees the army and navy with independent air arms but the establishment of an air defence force, with responsibility for defending Italy from air attack. It would consist of ground based guns and interceptor fighters. In the foothills of the Alps a line of electronic warning stations is rumoured to be under construction but the mountainous conditions are giving problems, not the least with the weather.

In Taranto, the newest addition to the Italian navy was completed; the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the largest in the world. She will spend the next six months working up to full effectiveness in the Mediterranean. It is probable that she will replace the ageing Francesco Morosini in the 1st Fleet. Her sister ship, Cavour, is due for completion next year. The navy themselves are drawing up possible new designs for the future as the navy redefines it’s role following the strategic defence review. All of the designs are given as being considerably larger and more capable than current ships, with a wish for operating significantly larger aircraft. Also at Taranto is one of the new large destroyers laid down in January. Currently there isn’t much of the ship visible to look at but we’re told that the armament centred on the powerful 152/53 gun.

The border with Yugoslavia has been significantly quieter over the winter months, most likely due to the weather. The weather in the remote, hilly and forested region makes conducting any sort of action difficult. When spring comes, the Ariete armoured division and Julia Alpini divisions are due to be deployed to the region for extended exercises.

At Guidonia, the extensive test program around the Fiat G.50 fighter has resulted in a considerable redesign. The first modified example was rolled out to a small assembly of dignitaries. The most visible change is the new wing, with a different thinner section which should make higher speed flight possible. Also present are small air brakes on the wings to limit speed and avoid the terminal dives that have plagued the G.50 prototype series. In addition, Fiat has a new engine after experiencing too many problems with the previous A.60. The new A.38 has similar features but with lighter weight and smaller size is better suited to the airframe. As a result of the changes, a new type number, G.55 has been allocated. The first flight is due in February, hopefully being introduced into squadron service next year following the conclusion of successful tests.

Also present at Guidonia is the almost finished Caproni N.1 airframe, designed around Ing. Campini’s jet propulsion system. A number of airflow issues have been effecting the propulsion system in the static test airframe. These are closer to a solution, but the aircraft is unlikely to fly before they are satisfactorily solved. Although Campini has been busy organising tests, a number of possible designs for production aircraft have emerged. The twin engine fighter and bomber designs share the same graceful lines and look very fast. Currently the project is almost a year behind schedule, despite the significant simplification of the original design. It should fly within the next month, but with the unknown issues with the new technology it may be longer.

"P.90"? Do you mean Ju-90S here, like in the next sentence?

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Originally posted by Hrolf Hakonson
"P.90"? Do you mean Ju-90S here, like in the next sentence?

No, the Boulton & Paul P.90 Birmingham. No Lancaster around just yet.

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Originally posted by Red Admiral
In Taranto, the newest addition to the Italian navy was completed; the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the largest in the world.

*Coughs* Correction, THE largest in the world, depending how you measure it.

Iberia's Bilbao, when complete, will be heavier at normal tonnage but lighter at maximum tonnage - but she's not complete. Among completed ships, only France's St. Cyr and Japan's Zuiho are contenders, and both are smaller. Only when Japan finishes Shokaku will we see anything decisively larger.

Aren't you forgetting Arrogant and Fearless? They have a heavier standard displacement than the Italian carriers.

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Originally posted by Rooijen10
Aren't you forgetting Arrogant and Fearless? They have a heavier standard displacement than the Italian carriers.

No they don't.

Oh, standard? Maybe. Let me look again.

Edit: yes, they do have higher standard displacements. I guess I kinda did forget them.

I said standard.
Giuseppe Garibaldi is 30,227 tons.
Arrogant is 32,577 tons.

Normal is about the same/ Giuseppe Garibaldi is 35,866 tons. Slightly heavier than Arrogant at 35,681 tons.

Size really wouldn't matter, Giuseppe Garibaldi is obviously a better design than Arrogant simply due to age and advancements in Carrier design. The Arrogants are long overdue for a rebuild but they will have to wait for the Arcturus class to begin entering service.

Italy has noted with disappointment the result from the annual Talons over Cordoba competition. Cpt. Ricco put in a valiant performance but the plethora of newer types on offer was too much. The small Italian team had a pleasant time at the event and took the time to look over the aircraft on offer. Most interest was expressed around the I-02 fighter and the Do-217 bomber on display. Rumours have been going around of Italy wishing to start up licence production of various aircraft types in order to reduce costs. It seems likely that close attention is being paid to recent worldwide developments and that Talons gives an opportunity to see new aircraft up close.

The Senate has been full of debate over the future of the air force over the past month with the proposal to merge it into the army and navy. The impetus behind this has mostly been from last year’s strategic defence review which removed the air force’s strategic bombing mission. The much closer focus on tactical power has led many to say that air power would be much better suited under the arms of the other services, making it easier to tie in with land and sea forces. Although strongly opposed, the motion won through. With the demise of the air force, another new armed force emerged, with the air defence force – responsible for Italy’s defence from the air. A large number of fighter squadrons from the air force will be transferred into the new force along with anti-aircraft units previously operated by the army. The changeover will be gradual but should be completed in 1939. It is unlikely to have a major effect on the few current major aircraft programs; the main change coming to the Fiat Scorpione long range bomber; the lack of a strategic bombing role leading to it’s adoption by the navy as a long range maritime reconnaissance and strike aircraft. The first prototype has made a short flight at Guidonia but it is currently without many of the onboard systems. In order to expedite it’s entry into service a number of stages of increased capability are planned with the first aircraft being fairly austere. The first squadron is unlikely to commission until 1940.



Fiat Scorpione

It’s a bumper year for first flights with the new Fiat G.55 Centauro flown in March, although slightly behind schedule. The G.55 Centauro is a comprehensive re-design of the previous G.50 fighter which failed to enter service when problems emerged in testing. After taking time to gather data from the G.50 prototypes, the new G.55 was built in a short period of time. Reports state that the previous safety problems encountered have been eliminated, although a better term might be mitigated. A limited amount of performance data has been released but initial reports seem promising. It seems to be some way from meeting the projected speed of the G.50, though that is mostly due to the lower power provided by the A.38 engine. The reliability and vibration problems that dogged the previous A.60 engine seem to have been alleviated. It is said that Fiat engineers are busy building a race version of the A.38 for Stiavelli’s new speed record aircraft.



Fiat G.55 Centauro

The final first flight of note was Campini’s N.1 which became the first jet aircraft in the world to fly. The news came soon after Argentina’s first flight of the rocket propelled IAe.10. It is understood that the Minister of Aviation Italo Balbo personally ordered the flight to proceed despite the protestations of Campini that it wasn’t quite ready. The flight was short and eventful but saw aviation make a significant jump ahead. Piloted by veteran test pilot de Bernardi, the flight was cut short after ten minutes by overheating problems. Ing. Campini says that a proper series of test flights should start early next year.



Campini N.1

Sorry it's all about aircraft, there isn't much happening internationally that Italy is interested in and I need to think a bit more about internal news. Some news is better than no news I think.

What sort of engines are those on the big Fiat?

...so Italy divides their air force between Army and Navy? And the creation of an Air Defense Force? Interesting... it kinda makes sense. IIRC the Russians did something similar.

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The final first flight of note was Campini’s N.1 which became the first official/publicized jet aircraft in the world to fly. The news came soon after Argentina’s first flight of the rocket propelled IAe.10.

There have already been a few flights of Mexico's pulsejet testbeds, but they have all been held in total secrecy. And it's going to take to make anything decent with them.

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What sort of engines are those on the big Fiat?

Isotta-Fraschini Asso 2000D, though initial versions will use the Alfa-Romeo 135 radial. I'll draw up another version.

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...so Italy divides their air force between Army and Navy? And the creation of an Air Defense Force? Interesting... it kinda makes sense. IIRC the Russians did something similar.

The Soviets still had an Air Force as well, but it's sort of similar. It makes sense given what Italy is expecting to do with her armed forces. Easier to support army and navy operations.

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There have already been a few flights of Mexico's pulsejet testbeds, but they have all been held in total secrecy.

It all depends on what you call a "jet", and whether you count Coanda's design. Humans and pulsejets don't really mix very well, too many good vibrations. Campini's design isn't going to develop very far, might get a fighter into service before proper jets arrive. More useful for just the basic research into things liek compressors and reheat.

I love air news!

99% of my news is tech stuff rather than internal stuff since little is happening in the UK to get excited about at the moment.

It's a bold move but it makes sense to have a Naval air arm and a defence air arm. The Soviets could afford both but I'm not sure Italy can unless the AF and fighter force uses the same guns, radios, aircraft etc to avoid duplication of effort etc. It's probably a good move and the RAF will watch with interest (although each Command in the RAF is technically a seperate AF arranged according to function and I've had thoughts of moving Coastal Command to the FAA).

On a side note, sometimes the bus I catch home from work sounds exactly like an Argus pulsejet and vibrates like hell! I'm not kidding it does really sound like a V-1!

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The Soviets could afford both but I'm not sure Italy can unless the AF and fighter force uses the same guns, radios, aircraft etc to avoid duplication of effort etc.

It should be lot cheaper as you're lacking all the dedicated staff and bases of an air force. Those costs will outweigh equipment concerns. It's likely that similar aircraft will be used by both services.

Fiat Scorpione Sottoserie 0

Pre-production with Alfa-Romeo radial engines, no armament, armour or self-sealing tanks.

Crew: 4
Length: 24.38m Span: 36.27m Height: 6.02m Wing Area: 120m­^2
Empty Weight: 12,682kg Maximum Weight: 26,650kg
Engine: 4 x 1700cv Alfa-Romeo 135 RC.40
Maximum Speed: 540km/h@4000m
Rate of climb: 410m/min Service ceiling: 11,000m
Range: 3700km
Armament: up to 5000kg of bombs

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It's likely that similar aircraft will be used by both services.

... 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).

So there are aircraft differences.

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Originally posted by Hood
It's a bold move but it makes sense to have a Naval air arm and a defence air arm. The Soviets could afford both(...)

Technically they didn't that one of the reasons why they are no more...

Actually split air force for the navy and army is not a bad idea. Without the strategic demand, then airplane are used in tactical army and navy operations. Land and sea demand different thing as and a single force will most likely be forced to compromise. Separate forces can concentrate on there missions

The Heavy or Strategic aircraft could be directly subordinated to the GHQ