Fiat G.50 bis airplane kit in 1/72 scale - AML model. The Fiat G.50 bis is an improved variant of the Fiat G.50 Freccia, an Italian monoplane fighter used during World War II. The Fiat G.50 was one of the first Italian fighters to be built entirely of metal and the first monoplane fighter to enter operational service in the Regia Aeronautica. Main features of the Fiat G.50 bis: Development and Role: The Fiat G.50 bis was developed as an upgraded version of the Fiat G.50, with modifications that included increased flight range, design improvements for stability, and slight changes in armament. It was designed to perform fighter and tactical support tasks. Motorization: It was equipped with a Fiat A.74 RC38 engine, a 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine that produced about 840 hp. This engine enabled the G.50 bis to reach a top speed of about 470 km/h. Armament: Typical armament included two Breda-SAFAT 12.7 mm caliber machine guns mounted on the fuselage. Some versions were also equipped to carry light bombs under the wings, making the G.50 bis capable of carrying out ground attack missions. Modifications from the G.50: The bis version had additional fuel tanks that extended its operational range, aerodynamic improvements, and an enclosed cockpit in many units, a change appreciated by pilots from the open cockpit of the initial model. Performance: The G.50 bis was known for its robustness and maneuverability, but suffered from inferior performance compared to contemporary fighters in terms of speed and armament, especially against opponents such as the Spitfire or Bf 109. Operational employment: The Fiat G.50 bis was used in several World War II campaigns, including the Spanish War, the Greek Campaign, and the North African front. It served mainly with the Regia Aeronautica and later also with the Italian Cobelligerent Air Force after the 1943 armistice. Limits: Despite being a robust aircraft, the G.50 bis was surpassed in power and armament by more modern Allied and German fighters. In addition, the lack of heavy armament and the absence of adequate armor for the pilot limited its effectiveness in combat. Historical context: The Fiat G.50 bis represents a significant development of the prewar Italian aircraft industry, but its inferiority to Allied fighters limited its effectiveness in major theaters of operation. Nevertheless, it played an important role in the early stages of the war, demonstrating the evolution of Italian fighter designs during the conflict.
Fiat G.50bis AS 'Arrow' (ex-FLY) aircraft kit in 1/72 scale - AML model. The Fiat G.50bis AS 'Arrow' was a variant of the single-engine Fiat G.50 Freccia fighter aircraft used by the Italian Air Force during World War II. The G.50bis AS was specifically adapted for operations in North Africa (AS stands for North Africa). Main Features. Design and Structure: Low-wing monoplane: The G.50bis AS was a low-wing monoplane with an all-metal structure, typical of the design of fighter aircraft at that time. Engine: It was equipped with a Fiat A.74 RC38 radial engine, capable of delivering about 840 horsepower, which enabled the aircraft to reach a top speed of about 470 km/h. Armament: Standard armament included two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted on the nose, fired through the propeller disk. "Encore" Version and Desert Adaptations: The G.50bis version was an evolution of the original G.50, improved in several aspects, including range and fuel capacity. The AS variant included additional modifications to operate effectively in the desert theaters of North Africa. Sand filters: To cope with harsh desert environmental conditions, such as sandstorms, the G.50bis AS was equipped with enhanced air filters, protecting the engine from ingesting sand. Auxiliary fuel tanks: To extend the range during long desert missions, the G.50bis AS could be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks. Operational History: Employment in North Africa: The G.50bis AS was employed in air battles over the North African desert, participating in various operations against Allied forces. It operated mainly as an escort fighter and as an interceptor. Unit: It was used mainly by the 150th Group of the 2nd Terrestrial Fighter Wing and other units deployed in North Africa. Effectiveness: Although robust and relatively maneuverable, the G.50bis AS suffered from inferior performance compared to more modern Allied fighters, such as the Supermarine Spitfire or the P-40 Warhawk, especially in terms of speed and firepower. Legacy and Conclusion: Contribution: Despite its limitations, the Fiat G.50bis AS "Arrow" represented an important asset for the Italian Air Force during the early stages of the war, especially in a difficult theater of operations such as the North African one. Retirement and Replacement: As the war progressed and more advanced fighters were introduced, the G.50bis AS was gradually withdrawn from service or relegated to secondary duties. The Fiat G.50bis AS 'Arrow' remains a significant example of Italian efforts to adapt its aviation to the needs of desert warfare during World War II.