The Aerfer Ariete (Italian: Ram) was a prototype fighter aircraft built in Italy in 1958. It was a refined derivative of the Aerfer Sagittario 2, and was an attempt to bring that aircraft up to a standard where it could be mass-produced as a viable combat aircraft.

Retaining most of the Sagittario 2's layout, the Ariete added tricycle undercarriage and a bubble canopy. An unusual feature was the addition of a smaller boost engine to provide additional dash speed for an interception.

No production ensued.

Specifications (Ariete)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Length: 9.60 m (31 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 7.50 m (24 ft 7 in)
• Height: m ( ft)
• Wing area: 14.5 m² (156 ft²)
• Empty: 2,400 kg (5,280 lb)
• Loaded: 3,535 kg (7,444 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: kg ( lb)
• Powerplant:
  • 1x Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 turbojet, 16.2 kN (3,593 lb) thrust
  • 1x Rolls-Royce Soar RSr 2, 8 kN (1,804 lb) thurst

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,080 km/h (675 mph)
• Range: km ( miles)
• Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,360 ft)
• Rate of climb: 2,667 m/min (8,747 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 244 kg/m² (48 lb/ft²)
• Thrust-to-weight: 1:2

Armament

2x 30mm cannons

Related content

Related development: Aerfer Sagittario - Aerfer Leone

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