Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308’ of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe, 1989

[Dizzyfugu]

In the meantime, while pondering about taking pictures of the huge Stalwart, flying boat, I came up witn this here:

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Some background:
The Fiat G.91Y was an Italian ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft that first flew in 1966. Resembling its predecessor, the Fiat G.91, the aircraft was a complete redesign, a major difference being its twin-turbojet engines for a considerably increased performance.

Funded by the Italian government, the G.91Y prototype was based on the G.91T two-seat trainer variant with a single Bristol Orpheus turbojet engine. This was replaced with two afterburning General Electric J85 turbojets which increased thrust by 60%. Structural modifications to reduce airframe weight increased performance further and an additional fuel tank occupying the space of the G.91T's rear seat provided extra range. Combat manoeuvrability was improved with the addition of automatic leading edge slats.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The avionics equipment of the G.91Y was considerably upgraded with many of the American, British and Canadian systems being license-manufactured in Italy.

Flight testing of three pre-production aircraft was successful with one aircraft reaching a maximum speed of Mach 0.98. Airframe buffeting was noted and was rectified in production aircraft by raising the position of the tailplane slightly.

An initial order of 55 aircraft for the Italian Air Force was completed by Fiat in March 1971, by which time the company had changed its name to Aeritalia (from 1969, when Fiat aviazione joined the Aerfer). The order was increased to 75 aircraft with 67 eventually being delivered. In fact, the development of the new G.91Y was quite long, and the first order was for about 20 pre-series examples that followed the two prototypes.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Like the G.91 before, the G.91Y attained much interest as it was a versatile light fighter bomber. One of the countries that ahd an eye on the upgraded Gina was Switzerland, looking for a dedicated support or even replacement for the Hawker Hunters, which were primarily used in the interceptor role, as well as the outdated D. H. Venom fighter bombers.

Fiat's answer was the G.91YS, a version tailored to Swiss needs. A first prototype with enhanced avionics, a strengthened structure for higher external loads as well as for typical operations on short runways with steep climbs and extra hardpoints to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for evaluation by Switzerland.
The first G.91YS flew on 16 October 1970, but at that time it was already clear that the machine was to carry smart weapons, primarily the AGM-65 'Maverick', which was also earmarked as new, additional Hawker Hunter ordnance.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


In order to get things moving the Swiss Air Force ordered in 1972 an initial batch of 22 G.91YS, knowing that an upgrade would become necessary soon. It was a kind of stopgap purchase, though, because the original types for that role, Vought A-7 or the Mirage III derivative Milan S, were rejected after long negotiations. The G.91YS was a more simple and cost effective option, and also as a better option than a short-notice offer for second hand A-4Bs in late 1972.

The new machines were delivered until summer 1974 and allocated to Fliegerstaffel 22 which exclusively operated the fighter bomber. This came just in time because by 1975 plans were laid to replace the Hunter in the air-to-air role with a more modern fighter aircraft, the Northrop F-5E Tiger II (which became operational in 1978). The Hunter remained in a key role within the Swiss Air Force, though. Like the RAF's Hunter fleet, the type transitioned to become the country's primary ground attack platform, completely replacing the Venom, while the G.91YS was regarded as more sophisticated attack aircraft against small, single targets, including tanks (with Soviet mobile tactical missile launch platforms in mind), relying on the AGM-65 as its main armament. Four of these missiles could be carried under the wings, plus a pair of AIM-9 for self-defense. Alternative loads included unguided missiles of various sizes (incl. podded launchers), iron bombs or napalm tanks of up to 1.000 lb caliber, or drop tanks on the inner pylons.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


The G.91YS's primary mission as precision strike aircraft was further emphasized through a massive upgrade program in 1982, including improved sensors, a modernized radio system, a nose-mounted laser tracker/range finder (replacing the former Vinten cameras and greatly improving single pass attack capability and accuracy) and the integration of electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems. The upgraded machines were easily recognizable through their more rounded nose shape with a pitot tube mounted on top, a characteristic spine fairing and a radar warning system housing at the top of the fin.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


In this form the G.91YS was kept in operational service until 1994, when it was retired together with the Swiss Hunter fleet. Six aircraft had been lost through accidents during the type's career. Author Fiona Lombardi stated of the retirement of the Hunter and the G.91YS, the Swiss Air Force "definitively lost the capability to carry out air-to-ground operations". With the retirement of the G.91YS fleet Fliegerstaffel 22 was disbanded, too.


General characteristics:
    Crew: 1
    Length (incl. pitot): 12.29 m (40 ft 11 in)
    Wingspan: 9.01 m (29 ft 6.5 in)
    Height: 4.43 m (14 ft 6.3 in)
    Wing area: 18.13 m² (195.149 ft²)
    Empty weight: 4.000 kg (8.810 lb)
    Loaded weight: 8.000 kg (17.621 lb)
    Max. take-off weight: 9.000 kg (19.825 lb)

Powerplant:
    2× General Electric J85-GE-13A turbojets with afterburners, 18.15 kN (4,080 lbf) each

Performance:
    Maximum speed: 1.110 km/h (600 kn, 690 mph,
                  Mach 0.95 at 10,000 m (33,000 ft)
    Range: 3,400 km (ferry range with droptanks) (2,110 mls)
    Service ceiling: 12,500 m (41,000 ft)
    Rate of climb: 86.36 m/s (17,000 ft/min)
    Wing loading: 480 kg/m² (98.3 lb/ft² (maximum)
    Thrust/weight: 0.47 at maximum loading

Armament:
    2× 30 mm (1.18 in) DEFA cannons
    6× under-wing pylon stations holding up to maximum of 2.270 kg (5.000 lb) of payload.



The kit and its assembly:
A classic whif – the G.91YS for the Swiss Air Force actually existed:








I just spun the idea a bit further, with later upgrades. The compact fighter would have been a suitable addition to the small nation's air force, and I interpreted it as an addition to the big Hawker Hunter fleet with a dedicated role and with suitable special equipment.

The basis is the Matchbox G.91Y kit with some minor changes:
• A new nose from a Fujimi Harrier GR.3
• The jet exhausts were opened and some interior added
• Flaps were lowered
• Some added detail to the ejection seat
• The spine extension, a simple piece of sprue
• The radar warning fairing is a square piece of styrene sheet
• Replacement of the cast-on guns with hollow steel needles
• The Sidewinder hardpoints come from a Revell F-16A
• The AGM-65s and their launch rails come from a Hasegawa weapon set

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Painting and markings:
The bigger challenge, because I did not want to use the typical "Hunter livery" in Extra Dark Sea Grey/SlateGrey/Aluminum – even if it would have been the natural choice for a Swiss aircraft. Choice for alternative yet authentic schemes is narrow, though – late Mirage III or the F-5Es carry a two-tone grey air superiority scheme, and I found this rather unsuitable for an attack aircraft.

So I developed my own design: a mix of the original Italian grey/green scheme and a two-tone pattern that late Turkish RF-4E/TMs carried - but with different colors and all mashed up into a modern, disruptive scheme. Experimental schemes of the German Luftwaffe in the late 70ies for their Alpha Jets and the F-4F fleet (leading to the complex Norm '81 patterns) also had an influence.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) - WiP by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


As basic tones I used RAL 6007 (Grüngrau, Revell 67) and Dark Gull Grey (FS36231, Modelmaster, turned out to be a bit too pale for what I wanted to achieve), with added fields of RAL 7000 (Fehgrau, Revell 57) on the upper surfaces and on the mid-waterline flanks – lighter and softer than the original NATO tones and with disruptive lighter blotches that break up the silhouette.

The underside was simply painted in uniform FS36375 (Humbrol 127), which was also carried onto the fin. After a thin black ink wash panels were lightened through dry-brushing.

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Cockpit interior was painted with Humbrol 140, the landing gear with a mix of White and Aluminum, trying to emulate look of real aircraft. In order not to make them stand out too much I painted the AGM-65s in olive drab, even though I think all Swiss missiles of that type were white. Artistic freedom...

Decals were puzzled together, e. g. from a Mirage III Carpena sheet and an Italieri Bae Hawk sheet, most stencils come from the OOB sheet (despite being slightly yellowed...).

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:72 Fiat G.91YS, 'J-2308' of Fliegerstaffel 22, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force); Meiringen AB, 1989 (Matchbox kit conversion) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr


A simple whif, done in a week, and based on an obscure real-life project. And the G.91 bears more whiffing potential, at least one more is to come!

[Sticky Fingers]

Really like the camouflage you came up with. Looks very good on the Fiat.
Cool build! 

[Captain Canada]

Yes, the camo is excellent ! Love the weapons load as well. Very well done. Looks great in those markings and as always your photos bring so much to life....

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you. Yes, the Alps setting is rather picturesque, and the paint scheme seems to be pretty effective at low and medium altitude. I am very often amazed how "good" a kit looks when it combined with appropriate surroundings, and this one is a good example. As a side note: the airfield scenes with the bunker hangars are not real - these are screenshots from a PC flying  simulator! You recognize the polygons at second glance, but for the picture's "illusion" it's enough. 

[ChernayaAkula]

Lovely build!  Neat colour scheme.

[PR19_Kit]

And he did this in his SPARE time too! 

Excellent job Thomas, as we've come to expect of course. 

[DogfighterZen]

  ...  ...    ...

[Glenn Gilbertson]

A really good looker 

[Dizzyfugu]

Thank you, gentlemen! 

[PACOPEPE]

I like much your paint work.   

Regards
Fran

[Dizzyfugu]

I like much your paint work.   

Regards
Fran

Thank you. Everything done/created with brushes.