#fiatg55

The Fiat G.55S (silurante, meaning torpedo-carrier) was an experimental torpedo-fighter derivative of the Italian Fiat G.55 Centauro developed during the final phase of the Second World War. Conceived as a fast, single-engine alternative to traditional torpedo bombers, the G.55S reflected Italian attempts to modernise anti-shipping aviation in response to changing combat conditions in the Mediterranean.

Development Background

By 1942–43, Italian torpedo-bombing operations relied primarily on aircraft such as the SIAI‑Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero. Although effective earlier in the war, these medium bombers became increasingly vulnerable to improved Allied fighters and shipboard anti-aircraft defences. Italian planners therefore considered the “torpedo-fighter” concept: a high-performance single-seat aircraft capable of delivering a torpedo at speed and then defending itself or escaping using fighter-like manoeuvrability.

Initial work focused on a dedicated torpedo-fighter design, the G.57, but when that project was abandoned, engineers of the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (ANR) turned to adapting the G.55 instead.

Design Modifications

A standard production G.55 Serie I (serial MM.91086) was converted into the torpedo-fighter prototype, designated G.55/S. The principal modification involved enabling the aircraft to carry a large Whitehead torpedo weighing roughly 920–987 kg and measuring about 5.46 m in length.

To accommodate the torpedo, engineers significantly altered the aircraft’s underside configuration. The original ventral radiator was divided into two smaller radiators mounted under the wing roots, creating space beneath the fuselage for torpedo attachment racks. The tailwheel strut was lengthened and reinforced to prevent the torpedo’s fins from striking the ground during take-off or landing, and a streamlined fairing was added to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Armament remained broadly similar to the fighter configuration, typically consisting of three 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and two Breda-SAFAT machine guns, allowing the aircraft to retain a fighter-like offensive capability in addition to its anti-shipping role.

Testing and Performance

The modified aircraft first flew in August 1944 and underwent torpedo-carrying trials in early 1945, with test pilot Adriano Mantelli conducting evaluations. Reports indicated that, despite the heavy external load, performance remained satisfactory and handling acceptable for operational use.

Successful trials led the ANR to order a small pre-series batch of ten aircraft and to propose production of up to one hundred examples. However, Italy’s military collapse in 1945 ended further development before series production could begin.

Post-war Fate

The Italian Fiat G.55 Centauro had a brief but interesting post-war career in Middle Eastern air forces, including Syria. Although originally designed as one of Italy’s most capable late-Second World War fighters, in Syrian service it functioned mainly as a transitional aircraft during the early development of the Syrian Air Force.

Acquisition by Syria

In the late 1940s, Syria sought to build a modern air arm amid growing regional tensions following the creation of Israel. As part of this expansion, the country purchased several Italian aircraft types, including the Fiat G.55 and related trainer variants.

Between January and September 1949, Syria received about 12 single-seat Fiat G.55A fighters and one two-seat G.55B trainer, aircraft diverted from Italian production lines originally intended for the Italian Air Force. Some aircraft that eventually reached Syria had complicated export histories, including transfers involving Argentina and Egypt before entering Syrian service.

These aircraft represented some of the Syrian Air Force’s first modern fighters and were acquired alongside other piston-engine types such as the Supermarine Spitfire.

Role in Syrian Service

By the time Syria received the Centauro, the aircraft was no longer a front-line fighter by global standards. Nevertheless, it remained fast, manoeuvrable, and well-armed for regional conditions. Powered by the Fiat RA.1050 R.C.58 engine (licence built DB 605A), the G.55 could reach roughly 620 km/h and typically carried machine guns and cannon armament, although Syrian aircraft often used machine guns in the wings instead of cannon.

In Syrian use, the G.55 served primarily as:

an advanced fighter trainer

a secondary fighter aircraft

a pilot conversion platform for more modern types

The aircraft were reportedly based at Aleppo, where they supported pilot training programmes. Among those who trained on the type was Hafiz al-Assad, who later became President of Syria.

Operational Context

The Syrian G.55s entered service during the turbulent period following the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Aircraft from both Syria and Egypt saw limited involvement in clashes with Israeli forces, though documentation of specific combat missions involving Syrian G.55s is scarce.

The Centauro’s operational life in Syria was short. Rapid technological change in aviation during the early 1950s made piston-engine fighters obsolete. Syria soon transitioned to British-supplied aircraft such as the Gloster Meteor jet fighter, which began arriving in the early 1950s.