In addition to excellent JR’s description an unusual frontal view of the Fiat G.56. After the war the G.56’s prototype was employed by Fiat like flying test bed. In particular the coupling of G.56’s airframe with the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was employed like prototype of successfully series of G.59, single and two seat advanced trainer, the last follower of fighter monoplanes designed for Fiat by Giuseppe Gabrielli. Victor Sierra

Fiat G.56: an unusual view

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.

Son of Centauro.

Luftwaffe’s Arado Ar.196As of 2/SAGr 125 (2/See-Aufklärungsgruppe 125) escorting merchant ships on Mediterranean, perhaps in front to Greek coasts, 1942. At the time the 2/SAGr 125 was based on Suda Bay, Crete. Victor Sierra