Aeronautica Umbra MB.902, Italy's ultimate heavy fighter

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The MB.902 was a 1939 project, later modified in 1941, for a twin-engine, all-metal heavy fighter. It was designed by Captain Andrea Bellomo and built by Aeronautica Umbra S.A. (AUSA) in Foligno. A single prototype was allegedly constructed but never flown.

Project History

The MB.902 was ordered in response to a Ministry of Aeronautics request for a multi-role aircraft capable of being an escort fighter, fighter-bomber, attack aircraft, and fast reconnaissance plane. The design featured two inline engines, one in front and one behind the pilot, who was seated far back in the fuselage. It had mid-mounted wings and a simple tail.

On September 7, 1939, the designer was tasked with preparing a non-flying prototype with functional propulsion systems to test its effectiveness before building a flying model. In 1941, Bellomo met with AUSA to finalize the first prototype, initially planned to fly in summer 1943. The project was halted after September 8, 1943, and the prototype was destroyed. (Other sources ive seen say there was no prototype at all, only a wooden mock-up to test engines an gearbox)

Technical Details

A key feature of the MB.901 was the engine layout, with two Isotta Fraschini L.180s mounted in the fuselage—one in front and one behind the pilot. These powered two pairs of contra-rotating propellers in streamlined nacelles on the wings, with radiators and fuel tanks housed in the wings. The propellers, designed by Bellomo, were variable-pitch, two-bladed sets connected to the engines via 90-degree mechanical linkages. The MB.902 prototype (MM.519) had two 1,030 HP (772 kW) Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC.41 engines, derived from the Daimler-Benz DB 601(same used on the C.202

Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

  • Length: 14.51 m
  • Wingspan: 14.35 m
  • Height: 3.37 m
  • Wing area: 31.70 m²
  • Wing loading: 227 kg/m²
  • Empty weight: 5,738 kg
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 7,185 kg

Propulsion

  • Engine: Two Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC.41
  • Power: 2318hp take off power

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 690 km/h at 6,000 m
  • Range: 1,700 km
  • Service ceiling: 10,500 m

Armament

  • Machine guns: 4 Breda-SAFAT, 12.7 mm caliber *300 rounds per gund
  • Cannons: 2 MG 151/20, 20 mm caliber *350 rounds per gun

Place in the game

Seeing Italy’s lack of indigenous vehicles being added lately, especially ww2 ones, and the addition of many modern vehicles based purely on speculative performance, i think vehicles like the MB. 905 should allowed to be added even though it can be considered mostly ‘paper’ .

Its performance would be similar to that of high tier heavy fighters like the ki-83 so i suppose a br of around 5.7 would be fit for it

Sources

-Italian civil and military aircraft 1930-1945 of Jonathan Thompson
-Nico Sgarlato, MB.902: sarebbe stato il più bello di tutti (PDF), in Aerei nella Storia, Parma, Delta Editrice
-Aeronautica Umbra fighters | Secret Projects Forum
-Italian Heavy Fighters | Secret Projects Forum

pictures

Dm-i_2-VAAAcS4W
x.com

5-55


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*Info added thanks to @MuccoPazzino

7 Likes

I never thought this unique project i have been a “fan” of for years would ever see the the light of day on the forums (too lazy to make it myself) so it’s a very joyful +1

3 Likes

This could compete with the F-117 for stealth.

3 Likes

From: http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/Italy/Caratteristiche_velivoli_italiani.pdf 38

I tried enhancing the quality with the android AI thing for photos but it only made it worse.
You should be able to see it yourself from the link tho.

If i read the number correctly the ammo count should be 350 rounds for each 20 mm cannon and 300 for each 12.7 mm machine guns.

3 Likes

Will sure as hell be more playable and fun than the F-117, and funnily enough modeled more realistically lol

2 Likes

I want it, can be an event prize imo, especially considering its unclear final condition.

1 Like

I’m iffy because it seems like mostly a paper plane

But I have a soft spot for Italian props
So
+1

1 Like

2 engines, 4 props, maybe the strangest engine positioning of all time… how could I say no! +1

1 Like