Fiat G.55 - Italy's Centaur of WW2

In 1943, Italy needed a new fighter to keep itself in the game. Three designs were proposed, the Fiat G.55, the M.C. 205 and the Re.2005. Naturally, being Italy, they put all three into production. Let's have a look at the G.55 then.

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[ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

The big three Italian fighters were works of art! Beautiful even when standing still. The Reggiane just looked like an art-deco masterpiece . What else would you expect from the Italians?

[domoore]

I don't have enough kind words to say about Italian aircraft from that era in history. Some of the most beautiful and elegant designs ever, they just reek of Speed and Agility.

[viridisxiv]

beautiful plane. typically italian in that regard.

[DeadlyLazer]

Italian design with German power, still a great combination to this day

[slappy]

I don't care what anyone else thinks, the warbirds of WW2 were some of the best looking aircraft ever built.

[mikhailiagacesa]

I heard a rumor that Kurt Tank said that the G.55 was the best Axis prop fighter of the war. If he did, that's real praise. I know the German test pilots like it.

[gsr]

Wow, I'm so glad I found this video! I've been a military aviation enthusiast (and former US Air Force airman) all my life. As an American, I actually know about the MC 202/205, Re 2005 and the Fiat G55 and I love them all. Not to mention the DB 601 and 605 engines. Thank you for this informative video. I would love to visit this museum one day!

[Leptospirosi]

14:40 there is an error: Gabrielli did not simply put a DB605 on the G50!
This is true to some extent for the MC200/202/205, (and many planes are direct conversion of older models) but the G55 is a completely new airframe, which may bring some resemblance with the older one but only superficially. Aerodynamically it was the best of the 3, needing virtually no trim at any height and any speed. It was also the simpler (by far) to build and could withstand easily the massive DB603 improving performances without forsaking it's virtues (as Kurt Tank assessed when he flew the prototype at Guidonia). This could not be attained with an old and flawed design like the G50 Freccia.
RE. 2005 flew wonderfully but the tail assembly was flawed and in time could become a concern for durability and resistence to damage.

[donnabanning]

This is interesting. It's a nice change of pace from all the P51's, etc. You don't really see much about Italian aircraft.

[sparviero]

February 1943 competition in a few words
Bf109 : I'm the best fighter of the axis
FW190: No i'm the best fighter of the axis
the bullied guy in the angle(G.55): Hold my grappa.

[rudeonelife]

Great video and thanks for giving respect to the Italian aviation industry.  I have talked to many pilots here in Italy from WW-II (ANR timeframe), and some preferred the G.55, while others liked the MC.205.  The very few who I spoke to who flew the Re.2005 felt it was the most maneuverable.  And I will add that they all absolutely loved the 109G-6 because it was great fighter with some pilots preferring it over their own.  But that is only their personal feeling and opinion. Thanks for the great video.

[randyminnick]

This is one of the most well-presented and informative documentaries that I've had the pleasure to view. You are most knowledgeable and it's obvious. Thank you. Please continue doing what you do. It is a great contribution to aviation history even if some viewers have no clue of that fact.

[fredferd]

Whatever else it is, the Fiat G-55 is the most beautiful fighter of WWII.

[spikespiegel]

i must say bismarck you are like a walking encyclopedia of aviation really enjoyed the vid

[mycroft]

Enjoyed my visit to this unique museum back in the 1980s, particularly for it's tri-motors and Schneider Cup machines. The Cant Z.506 S Airone is a wonder to behold (a childhood favourite). Looks as though the collection has more than doubled. The site itself is of great historical significance. Thanks for your videos of Museo storico dell'Aeronautica Militare di Vigna di Valle. Bravo!

[emmedigi]

I live in Rome so I visited the museum in many occasions. You quoted the Reggiane planes and, while the museum in Vigna di Valle has in his collection this Fiat and three Macchi, there are no surviving Reggiane today as far as I known. For example, of the 30 produced Re2005 Sagittario, the only thing that survived is a part of the tail section of one of these planes that is on display at the Museo dell'Aeronautica Giovanni Caproni in Trento.

[Rickusty]

Great video Bismarck. Salute from Rome. I was there (probably my 20th time...) just 2 weeks ago. Now they put on display a most beautiful Reggiane Re.2002, finally the first Reggiane in the museum.

[shannonwittman]

I sure enjoy all your videos! You provide some excellent detailed information in all of them, far better and more intriguing than most other channels, and often covering topics that are not available anywhere else. Congratulations and thanks very much. Keep up the good work!

[paulantonio]

Thanks for creating & posting this video, Bismarck. It's always nice to see something on the Italian Serie-5 fighters, which are overlooked in aviation history. They were all beautiful places, especially the Centauro and Sagittario, with performance to match. I also liked your video on the SM 79. When I was in Rome a couple of years back, I tried to make it out to Bracciano but my wife wasn't having it. Next time. Keep up the good work!

[fredferd]

One other fact about the G-55 -- It is the most Beautiful piston engined fighter plane ever built! Magnificent! Perhaps the Macchi 202 and 205 come close, but this was a masterpiece! Worthy of Michaelangelo!!!!