- Yes
- No
In the late 1942 an upgrade from the FN.315 trainer ( wich was an upgrade from the FN.305) was made, the fighter-trainer “FN.316”.
Particularly for the second-stage training schools, the problem of fuel supply was severe, as they were forced to use aircraft with demanding operational characteristics and high fuel consumption, even for instruction that could have been conducted with less demanding machines. For fighter training, instead of using downgraded aircraft such as the CR.42, G.50, and C.200 (all equipped with 840 hp engines), the FN.316 was aimed at as a more economical solution for advanced training.
The FN.316/Isotta-Fraschini Beta was test-flown by Commander Zappetta in Milan-Linate in the autumn of 1941. Significant difficulties arose in ensuring adequate engine cooling, requiring the enlargement of dynamic air intakes and the addition of two oil radiators on the leading edge of the wing at the edges of the central section. By October 1942, approximately 80 Isotta-Fraschini Beta engines had been built from an order for 300 units (later reduced to 270); the remainder were in an advanced stage of construction. However, endurance tests revealed serious weaknesses in the engine’s reduction gear.
The FN.316 was deemed a less brilliant aircraft but also less aerodynamically stressed and more reliable. Maximum dive speed tests for the FN.316 were conducted by Commander Enzo Cisaro, a test pilot at Nardi who had previously excelled in pre-war sporting achievements.
The order issued to the Nardi factory in Loreto for 50 FN.316s (30 single-seaters and 20 two-seaters) dates back to July 14, 1940. The project could finally proceed to production following the successful testing of the prototype MM.51916. The FN.316, available in single or dual-seat configurations, was presented as a very promising aircraft that maximized the potential of this trainer.
By September 1942, only 16 single-seater FN.316s had been produced, and the construction of another 15 was awaited to transition in April 1943 to the production of 19 two-seaters. In reality, at the Loreto factory, 10 single-seaters were completed in November, 2 in February 1943, 2 in March, and 1 in April; only one two-seater (of the planned 19) was completed in June 1943 and a second in July. At Loreto, the following FN.316s were tested: MM.51941-51942 (end of February 1943), MM.51943-51944 (March 31), MM.51945 (April 30), MM.52052 (June 30), MM.52053 (July 26), MM.52056-52057-52058 (August 27, 1943).
The two-seat FN.316Bs entered service with Italian Air Force flying schools in January 1942, followed by the one-seat FN.316Ms in June 1943. After the armistice seven aircraft were flown by the Luftwaffe in Northern Italy
At its peak, Nardi employed approximately 1,150 workers at its Milan-Linate and Loreto facilities but struggled to maintain adequate productivity.
FN 316 recap:
FN.316: Prototype, one built
FN.316B: Two-seater production variant, 19 built.
FN.316M: Single-seat production variant, 30 built.
Specifications
Lenght: 7m
Crew: 1
Wing span: 8.5m
Empty weight: 873 kg
Full loaded weight: 1.178 kg
Top speed: 330 km/h
Range: 740 Km
Service ceiling: 6500m
Engine: Isotta Fraschini Beta RC 10 (280 HP)
Armament
either 1 or 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns fixed forward firing
Sources
Nardi Pre-1945 Aircraft and Projects | Secret Projects Forum
https://it.pinterest.com/pin/790944753285525760/
Nardi FN.316 - Wikipedia
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Dimensione Cielo- Scuola Collegamento vol.10