'GINAS' OVER GERMANY

摘要

NATO's efforts at common military procurements met with mixed success. In December 1953, it produced a requirement for a new light tactical support aircraft which, it was hoped, would equip most of the European air forces within the alliance. This was to be a lightweight, compact design equipped with basic weaponry and avionics, and capable of operating from forward locations with minimal ground support. A competition pitched six types against each other, and during 1958 the Fiat G91 was declared the winner, beating off such as the Northrop F-5, Dassault Etendard VI and Aerfer Ariete. Unfortunately, due to political factors within the various NATO countries, several elected to produce their own designs. Only Italy, Greece, Turkey and West Germany ordered the G91, which entered operational service with the Italian Air Force in 1961, and West Germany's Luftwaffe in 1962. The Greek and Turkish orders were subsequently cancelled, and 50 G91R/4s were taken up by the Luftwaffe.