The Ansaldo A.120, later referred to as the FIAT A.120 following FIAT’s acquisition of Ansaldo, was a reconnaissance aircraft developed in Italy during the 1920s.
Designed as a parasol-wing monoplane, it featured a fixed tailskid undercarriage and accommodated both pilot and observer in tandem open cockpits.
Design and Development
The A.120 was based on design elements from earlier aircraft, incorporating a wing derived from the Ansaldo A.115 and a fuselage adapted from the Dewoitine D.1 fighter, which Ansaldo had produced under licence.
This blend of existing technology resulted in a reliable yet modest reconnaissance platform, suited to its era.
The aircraft was operated by the Italian Air Force in limited numbers and also saw export success with the air forces of Austria and Lithuania.
Lithuania’s A.120s remained in service until the country’s annexation by the Soviet Union.
Variants
A.120
prototype with Lorraine 12Db engine (two built); featured a 400 hp V-12 engine and served as the initial testbed for the design, combining a parasol wing with a fuselage derived from the Dewoitine D.1.
A.120bis
improved version with Fiat A.20 engine; retained the basic airframe but introduced the 400 hp Fiat A.20A V piston engine, offering better compatibility with domestic production and maintenance.
A.120Ady
definitive production version, most with Fiat A.22 engine (57 built); incorporated structural refinements including a revised fuselage, tail unit, and landing gear.
Powered by the 550 hp Fiat A.22T engine with a saddle-type radiator, it had a top speed of 254 km/h and a service ceiling of 7,000 m.
Used by Italy and Lithuania.
A.120R
revised version for Austrian service (six built); equipped with the Fiat A.22R engine featuring a tunnel-type radiator under the nose.
Included a redesigned observer’s cockpit with a larger windscreen and rounded glazed panels for improved visibility and comfort.
