German Air Force

Son of Centauro.

Prototype Fiat G.56 fighter in German livery, 1944 (?). This was the proposed successor the the excellent Fiat G.55 "Centauro" fighter, probably the best Italian-built fighter to be committed to combat in WW2 (albeit too late, and in too small numbers, to make a difference). The main difference from the G.55 was the use of a Daimler-Benz DB 603 engine, a superior power plant used in a number of German types, including the Me 410 "Hornisse" light bomber/heavy (two-engine) fighter. In 1944 trials, the G.56 performed very well against late-model MeBf 109 and Fw 190 fighters. However, at this late stage of the war, the Germans (who were in control of war production in northern Italy at this stage) were not interested in having it manufactured. Best regards, JR.