Fiat G91

[Dawes]

Was this aircraft regarded as being an overall successful design? Believe the Luftwaffe was somewhat disappointed in it's performance, but it did see combat with the Portuguese Air Force in Africa. Was even evaluated by the US Army (prior to the Key West Agreement, of course).

[Yama]

I have not read any in-detail history of the plane, but I'd categorize it as a 'good design for a narrow specification'. It was probably quite well suited for the intended role in European theatre, but short range meant it wasn't quite as useful elsewhere. I built an Airfix G.91 once, and it really showed how tiny it is, Hunter is almost twice the size.

One problem with the project was that French and Brits threw a fit when their plane wasn't chosen, and didn't buy it, mooting the 'common fighter' idea.

About aforementioned US Army trials:

During the trials, the US Army established, among other things, the strong points of the three aircraft. For example, the A4D was the only one that could boast all-weather capabilities, the N-156F was the one that exhibited the best overall performance, while the G.91 proved to be the most docile model, as well as the one that required the least maintenance and external assistance. In short, the US Army evaluated them all more or less positively, although with an understandable preference for the Skyhawk .

Here's what Stephen Harding writes in his   US Army Aircraft Since 1947 :

G.91

“The Army Evaluation Team found the G.91 easy to fly, relatively simple to maintain at austere airfields, and more than capable of fulfilling the FAC and reconnaissance roles.”

A4D

“The Army’s response to the Skyhawk was very favorable. The A4D proved to be an exemplary ground attack aircraft with excellent low-altitude handling characteristics.”

N-156F

“According to the Army, the N-156F was a well-built, capable aircraft, easy to maintain at austere airfields and capable of carrying a significant offensive load and operating from the most rudimentary forward airstrips.”

It should be noted, however, that the G.91 was not exactly ideal for Close Air Support . Despite the merits listed above, the army was not satisfied with its war load, range and loiter time (time spent over any target).

 

Edited May 7 by Yama