Fiat A.22
| Industry | Aerospace, Aircraft engines |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1920s |
| Headquarters | Turin , Italy |
The Fiat A.22 was a 1920s Italian aircraft engine featuring a water-cooled V-12 configuration. Delivering 425 kW (570 hp), it powered multiple record-breaking long-distance flights and was also utilized in commercial passenger aviation.
Design and development
In the latter half of the 1920s, Fiat introduced a range of water-cooled aircraft engines including the A.20, A.22, A.24, A.25, and A.30 models. These engines were all upright V-12s with a 60° angle between cylinder banks; their displacements varied from 18.7 L to 54.5 L (1,141 to 3,326 cu in), while power outputs spanned from 320 kW to 745 kW (430 to 1,000 hp).
The A.22 produced 425 kW (570 hp) from a displacement of 27.5 L (1,678 cu in), placing it near the midpoint of this series. Following governmental advice to streamline their water-cooled engine lineup, Fiat concentrated on the A.20, A.22, and A.30 variants. The initial run of the A.22 occurred in 1926, with production reaching several hundred units.
This model later served as the foundation for the Fiat AS.2 and AS.3 engines designed for the Schneider Trophy racing competitions.
Operational history
The A.22 gained prominence through its role in record-setting long-distance flights powered by the single-engine landplane Savoia-Marchetti S.64, which utilized a specially modified version known as the A.22 T. Between May 31 and June 2, 1928, this aircraft completed a non-stop journey covering 7,665 km (4,763 mi), establishing a world closed-circuit distance record over a flight duration of 58 hours and 34 minutes. The two-man crew, Captain Arturo Ferrarin and Major Del Prete, alternated piloting duties during this mission.
Approximately one month later, the same crew set a new straight-line distance world record by flying from Italy to Brazil, covering 7,187 km (4,467 mi) in 47 hours and 55 minutes. Although the closed-circuit record was subsequently surpassed by French aviators, Italy reclaimed it with an improved S.64bis aircraft that flew 8,187 km (5,088 mi) in 67 hours and 13 minutes on May 31 to June 2, 1930.
In addition to record attempts, the A.22R variant was employed in more conventional airline operations aboard the three-engine Savoia-Marchetti S.66 flying boats operated by Ala Littoria. These flights serviced routes such as Rome–Cagliari–Tripoli and Rome–Athens–Alexandria.
Variants
According to Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1938
- A.22
- Direct drive without gearing, featuring a compression ratio of 5.5:1.
- A.22 R.
- Equipped with reduction gearing at a ratio of 0.5:1 ('Riduttori'), maintaining a compression ratio of 5.5:1.
- A.22 S.
- High compression version with a compression ratio of 6:1.
- A.22 AQ.
- High-altitude direct-drive variant ('Alta Quota') with a compression ratio of 7.5:1.
- A.22 AQ.R.
- High-altitude geared model ('Alta Quota Riduttori') incorporating reduction gearing at 0.5:1 and a compression ratio of 7.5:1.
- A.22 T.
- Customized version designed specifically for use in the Savoia-Marchetti S.64.
Applications
According to Thompson[1]
Specifications (A.22 R.)
See also
References
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