History

The Arefer Ariete (Ram) was a development of the earlier Sagittario 2 test aeroplane. It was fitted with a second jet engine to give it additional thrust but the Ariete did not proceed to production so only one was made.

The Aerfer Ariete (Ram) was an attempt to bring the same company’s Sagittario 2 up to a standard where it could be manufactures as a viable combat aircraft.

The Sagittario 2 had been the first Italian aeroplane to break the sound barrier but it was not suitable for combat.

The Ariete was fitted with a second turbojet engine to give it additional thrust in combat conditions with an intake on the upper rear fuselage that opened when it was in use.

The first Ariete made its maiden flight on 27 March 1958 but a second one was not completed.

Consideration was given to a new version with a rocket engine replacing the second jet engine, but it was not developed.

This model represents the only prototype in 1958.

Dujin 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in April 2017.

 

Data

MODEL: AERFRE Ariete

ROLE: experimental fighter

TIME PERIOD: 1958

ENGINES: one Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 turbojet of 16.2 kN and one Rolls-Royce Soar (Rsr 2) turbojet of 8.025kN

WING SPAN: 7.50m

LENGTH: 9.60m

GROSS WEIGHT: 3,535kg

MAXIMUM SPEED: 1,125km/h

CREW: 1

ARMAMENT: two 30mm cannon

SCALE: 1/72

KIT:

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