Aircraft Books - Italy - History, Types and Construction

Axis Aircraft in Latin America

Following World War I, Germany and Italy began to develop their aviation industry and seek new opportunities to expand their global presence. At the same time, Latin America was a region with an under developed transport system and difficult terrain, while their air power was virtually none existent.

Helped by German and Italian immigrants, the aviation industry of Latin America soon found a fertile terrain to sell their products, developing the first airlines in the region together with an increasing local military aviation interest.
Commercial aviation, including Scadta, the world's second airline, was greatly influenced by the German aviation industry with a legacy stretching over 40 years, while the military focused on Italian aircraft.
These warplanes featured heavily during the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia along with the 1941 war between Peru and Ecuador. Ironically, both German and Italian types were employed against their makers during World War II in patrolling the seas in search for German and Italian submarines.

Famous types including the Junkers F13, W34, K43, Ju52/3m, Ju86, Fiat CR.20, CR.32, BR.20, G-46, G-55, Dornier Wal, Focke Wulf Fw58 Weihe, Fw200 Condor and the only Japanese type, the Mitsubishi Betty are all featured.
Interestingly, several of these examples still survive today, including the world's last Dornier Wal and the Weihe.
Also includes the story of the German and Italian technicians and pilots that went to work to Argentina and Brazil after the war and developed many projects, some of them started in their countries before the end of the war.

L’aviazione italiana nella Grande Guerra

The story of Italian aviation extends far beyond the fascinating tales of fighter aces or legendary exploits like D'Annunzio's raid on Vienna during the First World War. It's a narrative of men and machines, where technology and strategy intertwine to create a well-rounded air force capable of fulfilling its duties in wartime.

As theories on bombing emerged within doctrinal debates involving figures like Douhet and Caproni, commanders pragmatically employed them.
Bomber actions aimed to counter the operational capabilities of opposing forces, while most squadrons directly supported ground forces with reconnaissance, observation, communication, and ground attack roles. They operated under the protection of fighters whose tactics were evolving beyond individualistic approaches.

This book delves into this rich history, exploring the development of Italian aviation, from its early days to its role in shaping military strategies and tactics. It's a comprehensive account of the men, machines, and missions that defined Italian aviation throughout its evolution.

Text in Italian.

Una storia dell’aviazione italiana

The author intentionally takes a concise and comprehensive approach in this book, tracing the history of Italian aviation from the era of hot air balloons to the present day.

While the information and analyses presented by the author may be found in other publications, they are often disconnected. In this book, however, they are presented with a unique thread, offering clarity and precision, both in terminology and content. The author's broad expertise, gained through diverse aeronautical and inter-force experiences, both in Italy and abroad, ensures a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

Text in Italian.