Nardi FN.316
The Nardi FN.316 was an Italian advanced fighter trainer monoplane developed by the Fratelli Nardi company from the Nardi FN.305.
| Nardi FN.316 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Advanced fighter trainer |
| Manufacturer | Fratelli Nardi |
| First flight | 1941 |
| Introduction | 1942 |
| Primary user | Italian Air Force |
| Number built | 49 [1] |
| Developed from | Nardi FN.305 |
Development
The FN.316 was an improved version of the Nardi FN.305, designed as an advanced fighter trainer. The prototype first flew in late 1941. The FN.316 was a low-wing cantilever monoplane powered by a nose-mounted 270 hp (210 kW) Isotta Frashchini Beta RC 10 1Z. The engine had serious cooling problems and only an initial order for 50 aircraft was placed for the Italian Air Force. The production aircraft had modified tail units and the single-seater had an enclosed cockpit. Both single-seat (FN.316M) and two-seat (FN.316B) variants were produced.
Operational service
The two-seat FN.316Bs entered service with Italian Air Force flying schools in January 1942, followed by the one-seat FN.316Ms in June 1943. After the armistice seven aircraft were flown by the German Luftwaffe in Northern Italy
Variants
- FN.316
- Prototype, one built
- FN.316B
- Two-seater production variant, 19 built.
- FN.316M
- Single-seat production variant, 30 built.
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Specifications (FN.316M)
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Powerplant: 1 × Isotta Fraschini Beta RC 10 1Z , 210 kW (270 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 330 km/h (205 mph, 178 kn)
- Range: 740 km (460 mi, 400 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 6,500 m (21,325 ft)
Armament
- 1 or 2 x 7.7mm (0.303in) synchronised machine-gun
References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing. p. 2594.