G.80/G.82: The first Italian jet trainer Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

Defeat and devastation in WWII nearly ruined Italy’s industry. But with peace, its aircraft manufacturers rapidly sought to restore the nation’s design and manufacturing capabilities.

Fast-forward to 9 December 1951 – a landmark date in Italian aviation history. That’s when the first Italian jet of indigenous design first took flight. Now it’s the subject of a truly absorbing, monograph in the “Italian Aviation Series”.

G.80/G.82: The first Italian jet trainer – available in North America from Casemate – tells the intriguing tale in 56 picture-packed pages in both Italian and English.

After introductory notes, author Federico Anselmino chronologically charts G.80/G.82 design, development, and small-series deployment.

A modeling section also supplements text. And technical data, serials, acknowledgements, and selected references complete contents.

Unfortunately for Italy, the realities of post-WWII international military equipment sales ultimately intruded. And FIAT couldn’t compete with, as Anselmino notes, “the massive supply of American MSAP (Mutual Defense Aid Program)” aircraft. And the G.80/G.82 program died.

Still, FIAT’s effort forged foundations for future license-produced and Italian-designed warplanes.

Color photos, B&W shots, color profiles, and tech-manual excerpts season the study. Extended, explanatory captions accompany images. And reproductions of period Italian magazine covers even augment the account!

Recommended!

With thanks to Casemate Publishing for the review copy!