Fiat G.12

Fiat

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1899 in Italy
Founder	Giovanni Agnelli
Headquarters	Italy

The Fiat G.12 was an Italian transport aircraft utilized during World War II.

Design and development

Constructed entirely from metal, the G.12 was a low-wing cantilever transport designed for personnel movement. It featured three radial engines: one positioned on the nose and two housed within wing-mounted nacelles. Each engine powered a three-blade metal propeller with feathering capability. The main landing gear retracted into the nacelles, while the tailwheel remained fixed. Both the cockpit and cabin were fully enclosed, with entry provided through a door on the port side located behind the wing.

Originally conceived as a civilian aircraft, the G.12 predominantly fulfilled military functions throughout the conflict. Production was limited, with some units manufactured as late as 1944 following the Italian armistice. This model served as a basis for the postwar G.212 "Flying Classroom," noted as Italy's final three-engine transport aircraft. The standard crew complement consisted of four members.

Variants

G.12C

Transport variant accommodating 14 passengers, equipped with three 574 kW (770 hp) Fiat A.74 R.C.42 radial engines.

G.12 Gondar

Designed for extended-range cargo transportation.

G.12GA

Long-distance transport version featuring additional fuel tanks; three units produced.

G.12RT

Customized long-range model intended for flights between Rome and Tokyo; single example constructed.

G.12RTbis

One unit built.

G.12T

Configured for troop and cargo transport missions.

G.12CA

Commercial airliner variant seating 18 passengers, powered by three Alfa Romeo 128 radial engines.

G.12L

Airliner capable of carrying 22 passengers.

G.12LA

22-passenger commercial airliner with three Alfa Romeo 128 radial engines.

G.12LB

22-passenger commercial airliner powered by three 604 kW (810 hp) Bristol Pegasus 48 radial engines.

G.12LP

Commercial airliner for 22 passengers, utilizing three 793 kW (1,065 hp) Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S1C3-G Twin Wasp radial engines.

Military operators

Germany

• Luftwaffe

Hungary

• The Royal Hungarian Air Force operated a fleet of twelve aircraft.

Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy

• Regia Aeronautica

Template:ITA

• Italian Air Force maintained operational use of several aircraft until 1956.

Civil operators

Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy

• Avio Linee Italiane

Template:ITA

• Ali Flotti Riunite
• Alitalia-Linee Aeree Italiane

Bibliography

• Angelucci, Enzo The World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft. London: Jane's Publishing, 1981.
• Angelucci, Enzo The World Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, London, 1987.
• de Marchi, Italo. "Les Fiat G. 12: 1^re période: avant et pendant la guerre." Le Fana de l'Aviation, Oct 1982, no.155, pp. 50–59.
• Stroud, John. European Transport Aircraft since 1910. London: Putnam, 1966.
• Stroud, John. "Post War Propliners: Fiat G.12 and G.212." Aeroplane Monthly, Vol. 23 No. 1, January 1994, pp. 64-68.

External links

• Image of Fiat G.12