The story
In 1953 NATO asked for a light, cheap strike fighter that could fly from rough fields, and Fiat's G.91 won the competition. Italy, West Germany and Portugal flew it; the Frecce Tricolori display team used the G.91PAN for years, and Portugal flew it in combat in Africa. 756 were built, and a restored example flew again in Italy in 2023.
NATO's specification demanded it fly from grass strips and roads, so cheap jets could disperse away from big air bases that would be nuclear targets.
Quick answers
How do you identify a G.91?
Small swept-wing jet with a nose intake, swept tail and a bubble canopy set well forward. Looks like a scaled-down F-86 Sabre.
What does a G.91 sound like?
An Orpheus whistle like the Gnat's, from a slightly bigger airframe.
How fast is the G.91?
Top speed is 580 kts.
How many people does the G.91 carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat strike fighter.
How far can the G.91 fly?
Range is about 621 nmi.
How big is the G.91?
It is 33 ft 9 in long and 28 ft 1 in across the wings.
When did the G.91 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1956.
How many G.91s have been built?
756 built.
What do crews call the G.91?
The Gina.
How rare is a G.91 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first G.91 catch is worth 250 points.
