Nardi FN.316

Nardi FN.316
Role	Advanced fighter trainer
Manufacturer	Fratelli Nardi
First flight	1941
Introduction	1942
Primary user	Italian Air Force
Number built	50
Developed from	Nardi FN.305

The Nardi FN.316 was an Italian advanced fighter trainer monoplane developed by the Fratelli Nardi company from the Nardi FN.305.

Development

The FN.316 was an improved version of the Nardi FN.305 and designed as an advanced fighter trainer and the prototype first flew in late 1941. The FN.316 was a low-wing cantilever monoplane powered by a nose-mounted 270hp (210kW) Isotta-Frashchini RC 10 1Z. The engine had serious cooling problems and only an initial order for 50 aircraft was placed for the Italian Air Force. The production aircraft had modified tail units and the single-seater had an enclosed cockpit. Both single-seat (FN.316M) and two-seat (FN.316B) variants were produced.

Operational service

The two-seat FN.316Bs entered service with Italian Air Force flying schools in January 1942 followed by the two-seat FN.316Ms in June 1943. After the armistice seven aircraft were flown by the German Luftwaffe in Northern Italy

Variants

FN.316

Prototype, one built

FN.316B

Two-seater production variant, 19 built.

FN.316M

Single-seat production variant, 30 built.

Operators

 Germany

• Luftwaffe

 Italy

• Regia Aeronautica

Specifications (FN.316M)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Powerplant: 1 × Isotta-Fraschini Beta RC 10 1Z, 210 kW (270 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 330 km/h (205 mph)
• Range: 740 km (460 miles)
• Service ceiling: 6500 m (21,325 ft)

Armament

• 1 or 2 x 7.7mm (0.303in) synchronised machine-gun

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. 
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982-1985). Orbis Publishing. pp. 2594.