World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseDesigned by Sergio Stefanutti, the prototype of SAI.207 light fighters, codenamed MM.442, took flight in the fall of 1940. On 5 Dec, the prototype crashed, killing test pilot Mario Faccioli. The second prototype, MM.443, took flight in spring of 1942. General opinion of test pilots noted that the aircraft had amazing horizontal and diving speed, but climbing and maneuverability characteristics were very poor. Despite the shortcomings, and Stefanutti's refusal to address them, the design entered production on a contract for 12 machines and entered service with the Italian Air Force. The first squadron to receive them was the 83rd Squadron of the 19th Group stationed at Cerveteri field near Rome, Italy. The pilots soon expressed complaints for them, particularly noting that even rain and humidity adversely affected flying characteristics due to the weak wooden structures. As a result, in Jan 1943, the production of the SAI.207 design ceased. By the time of the Italian Armistice later in 1943, they had been retired from service. Only 14 were built during the production life.

SPECIFICATIONS

SAI.207

Machinery	One Isotta-Fraschini Delta inverted-V radial engine rated at 750hp
Armament	2x12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns
Crew	1
Span	9.00 m
Length	8.02 m
Height	2.40 m
Wing Area	13.90 m²
Weight, Empty	1,750 kg
Weight, Maximum	2,420 kg
Speed, Maximum	575 km/h
Rate of Climb	13.25 m/s
Service Ceiling	12,000 m
Range, Normal	850 km

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