G91

The Fiat G.91 is a light, single-engine jet fighter-bomber produced by Fiat Aviazione in Italy during the late 1950s. It was developed to provide a compact, affordable close air support and reconnaissance platform suitable for NATO forces during the Cold War.

Design and development: The G.91 was conceived as a small, low-cost jet with a conventional layout. It entered service in two main variants: a single-seat fighter-bomber (G.91R) and a two-seat trainer (G.91T). The aircraft featured a straightforward airframe, a low-wing configuration, a tandem cockpit in the trainer version, and underwing hardpoints for bombs, rockets, or other stores. Its relatively small size and simple systems were intended to ease production and maintenance.

Operational history: The G.91 entered Italian service in the late 1950s and was subsequently adopted by several European air forces, including West Germany and Portugal. It served primarily as a light attack and reconnaissance aircraft, filling roles that required lower operating costs and shorter takeoff distances than larger jet fighters. As more capable jet aircraft entered service in the 1960s and 1970s, the G.91 was progressively phased out from frontline duties, though some air forces used remaining aircraft for training or limited missions into the late 1970s and beyond.

Variants: The principal variants were the G.91R (single-seat fighter-bomber) and the G.91T (two-seat trainer). Export-specific versions existed for various customers, with adaptations for local requirements.

Operators: Italy, West Germany, and Portugal were among the principal operators, with other nations evaluating or acquiring limited numbers for training and reconnaissance roles.