Aircrafttotal Encyclopedia

The Fiat (later Aeritalia) G.91Y is an Italian ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft which first flew in 1966. Although resembling its predecessor, the Fiat G.91, the aircraft was in fact a complete redesign, a major difference being that it was equipped with a new twin-engine configuration, replacing the original single engine.

The G.91Y was an increased-performance version of the Fiat G.91 funded by the Italian government. Based on the G.91T two-seat trainer variant, the single Bristol Orpheus turbojet engine of this aircraft was replaced by two afterburning General Electric J85 turbojets which increased thrust by 60% over the single-engined variant. Structural modifications to reduce airframe weight increased performance further and an additional fuel tank occupying the space of the G.91T's rear seat provided extra range. Combat manoeuvrability was improved with the addition of automatic leading edge slats

A Fiat G.91Y at Ramstein Air Base in 1986For improved aerodynamics, the MB-339 features an enlarged tailfin over its predecessor.

Variants

G.91Y - Prototype and production aircraft.
G.91YT - Projected two-seat trainer variant.
G.91YS - Prototype with enhanced avionics and extra hardpoints to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for evaluation by Switzerland. First flown on 16 October 1970.

Aeromacchi Leonardo

Fiat Aviazione / Aeritalia
Fiat G-91Y Yankee

General Info

Crew: 1 Length: 11.67 m (38 ft 3 in) Wingspan: 9.01 m (29 ft 7 in) Height: 4.43 m (14 ft 6 in) Wing area: 18.13 m² (195.1 sq ft)

Powerplant

Empty weight: 3,900 kg Gross weight: 7,800 kg Max takeoff weight: 8,700 kg (19,180 lb) max overload Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J85-GE-13A afterburning turbojet engines, 12.12 kN (2,725 lbf) thrust each dry, 18.15 kN (4,080 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

Maximum speed: 1,110 km/h (690 mph, 600 kn) at sea level
Maximum speed: M. 0.95 at 10,000
Cruise speed: 630 km/h (390 mph
Ferry range: 3,400 km (2,100 mi, 1,800 nmi) with drop tanks
Service ceiling: 12,500 m
Rate of climb: (17,000 ft/min)

Armament

Guns: 2 × 30 mm (1.18 in) DEFA cannons
Hardpoints: 4 under-wing pylon stations with a capacity of 1,814 kg (4,000 lb)

Special Links Aeromacchi Leonardo

Links to Youtube & Others

An initial order of 55 aircraft for the Italian Air Force was completed by Fiat in March 1971, by which time the company had changed its name to Aeritalia (from 1969.

Fiat Aviazione / Aeritalia Fiat G-91Y Yankee

AMI (Italian Air Force) placed orders for two batches; 35 fighters followed by another 20, later cut to 10.

Youtube Link

Those 'Gruppi' (Italian equivalent of British 'squadrons', usually equipped with 18 aircraft) lasted until the early '90s, as the only ones equipped with the 'Yankee'.

Fiat Aviazione / Aeritalia
Fiat G-91Y Yankee