Ambrosini SAI.207

The Ambrosini SAI.207 was a lightweight Italian fighter-interceptor from World War II, derived from the pre-war SAI.7 racing plane.

Built entirely from wood and powered by a 750 hp Isotta Fraschini Delta engine, it was fast but saw limited success despite a pre-production run of 12 aircraft.

Designed by Sergio Stefanutti for agility and minimal weight, early prototypes showed impressive speed and manoeuvrability, though one was lost in a fatal 1941 crash.

The final design featured a single-seat, low-wing layout with a tailwheel undercarriage, two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, and speeds up to 580 km/h in level flight.

An order for 2,000 was placed, but mixed test results and the 1943 Armistice halted production.

Specifications

(SAI.207)

Crew

1

Length

8.0 m (26 ft 3.75 in)

Wingspan

9.0 m (29 ft 6.5 in)

Height

2.87 m (9 ft 5 in)

Wing area

13.90 m² (149.6 sq ft)

Empty weight

1,750 kg (3,858 lb)

Gross weight

2,415 kg (5,324 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Isotta Fraschini Delta III R.C.40 inverted V-12 engine,
560 kW (750 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

641 km/h (398 mph, 346 kn)

Cruise speed

489 km/h (304 mph, 264 kn)

Range

850 km (528 mi, 459 nmi)

Service ceiling

12,000 m (39,400 ft)

Rate of climb

13.25 m/s (2,600 ft/min)

Time to altitude

6,000 m (20,000 ft) in 7 minutes 33 seconds

Armament

Guns

2 × 12.7 mm (0.500 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns.