The Sagittario II was an Italian all-metal single seat light fighter prototype intended to fullfil the interceptor or the light tactical support role. The prototype flew for the first time in May 19th 1956 and it became the first Italian airplane to break the sound barrier by achieving a mach 1.1 speed.
It was designed by the engineer Sergio Stefanutti (the same who designed the previous Sagittario I) and it was built by the Industrie Mechaniche Aeronautiche Meridionali - AERFER (Meridional Mechanical Aeronautical Industries). It was powered by a 16.2Kn thrust Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 engine and was armed with a pair of 30mm Hispano-Suiza HDD-825 cannon.
Some variants were projected:
- Sagittario II adapated for grass landing strip: This project was intended to provide the Sagittario with a separate carriage for taking-off from grass landing strips.
- Sagittario II ground attack-fighter: A ground-attack specialized variant intended to be armed with bombs, napalm canisters and unguided rockets and to be powered by a reduced version of the Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 engine.
- Sagittario II - Biposto scuola: A two-seater trainer version.
- Sagittario III: A projected version powered by a Bristol Orpheus engine.
2. The Complete book of fighters - Salamander Books
3. http://xoomer.virgilio.it/aviostoria/A/AERFER/SAGITTARIO%202-PROGETTI.htm
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