Fiat G.55 Centauro
By Chris Banyai-Riepl
Author: Przemyslaw Skulski
Publisher: MMP Books
ISBN: 9788368377132
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 128
The FIAT G.55 Centauro, along with the Macchi C.250V Veltro and Reggiane Re 2005 Sagittario, was part of the Serie V family of fighter aircraft that had German influence through the Daimler Benz DB 605A engine and Mauser 20mm 151/20 cannon. Out of the three, the Centauro was the most successful, and at least to my eye, the most attractive as well. This new title in the Orange Series from MMP Books takes a close look at this famous FIAT, both during the Second World War and in post-war service.
The book begins with a section on the development and production of the G.55, including the naval variants and post-war production. This section also includes the different series production, including the period under German control. This section includes some photos showing the first production examples, some of which are even in color.
The next two sections cover the operators of the G.55 Centauro. The first is the operational history, starting with the Regia Aeronautica and Luftwaffe, followed by the Royal Air Force, Aeronautica Militare, Fuerza Aérea Argentina, Royal Egyptian Air Force, and Syrian Air Force. The second section provides the camouflage and markings of all those same operators. The G.55 wore quite a variety of camouflage schemes, both in Italian service and internationally. Post war service continued that variety, with some finished in unpainted metal while others were camouflaged. All of these are represented in photos and color profile illustrations.
The remaining part of the book contains the technical description and detail photos. The technical description includes images from maintenance manuals, while the detail photo section provides a walkaround of the restored G.59-2A that is on display at the Museo Storico dell’Aeronautica in Vigna di Valle, Italy. As there are no surviving original G.55 airframes, this is the closest we have to this famous Italian fighter.
This is an excellent reference on the FIAT G.55 Centauro and is a must-have for anyone interested in Italian WW2 fighter aircraft. My thanks to Casemate for the review copy.