Fiat G.55 Centauro in Egyptian Service
The Royal Egyptian Air Force (REAF) operated a small number of Fiat G.55 Centauro fighters in the immediate post-Second World War period, primarily during and shortly after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Although the type had been one of Italy’s most capable wartime fighters, its Egyptian career was brief and limited in operational impact.
Postwar acquisition
After 1945, Italy’s aviation industry attempted to sustain production by exporting surplus and newly completed aircraft. Egypt became one of the principal customers for these aircraft as it sought to expand and modernise its air arm before the outbreak of hostilities in Palestine in 1948. Egypt ordered approximately nineteen newly built G.55 aircraft, consisting mainly of G.55A single-seat fighters together with a small number of two-seat G.55B trainers.
Deliveries began in 1948 alongside other Italian fighter types, including the Macchi C.205. The aircraft were assigned primarily to No. 5 Fighter Squadron, operating from Almaza airfield near Cairo. The G.55s were finished in desert camouflage similar to British RAF colour schemes commonly used by the Egyptian air force at the time.
Configuration and armament
Egyptian G.55 aircraft differed somewhat from wartime Italian fighters. Instead of the heavier cannon armament fitted to many Italian-service G.55 variants, Egyptian machines were typically equipped with four 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns. This simplified configuration reflected both export-production limitations and the availability of equipment after the war. However, the lighter armament reduced the aircraft’s effectiveness against armoured targets and modern fighters.
Operational use in 1948–1949
The G.55 saw limited combat use during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. Evidence suggests that only a small number of aircraft were operational at any given time, with at least one confirmed example serving in combat operations with the REAF in late 1948.
Operational effectiveness was constrained by logistical and training difficulties typical of newly formed postwar air forces. Maintenance support, spare-parts supply, and pilot conversion training limited sortie rates. In addition, by the time the aircraft entered service, piston-engine fighters such as the G.55 were already approaching obsolescence in comparison with emerging jet aircraft.
Like many piston fighters acquired by Middle Eastern air forces in the late 1940s, the Egyptian G.55 fleet remained in service only briefly. As surplus British and American aircraft and early jet fighters became available in the early 1950s, the Centauro was gradually withdrawn from frontline duties.
References
Bridgman, L. (1955). Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft 1955–56. London: Jane’s.
Gori, P. (1991). Caccia Italiani in Palestina. JP-4 Magazine.
“Fiat G.55 Centauro.” MDPI Encyclopedia.
“Fiat G.55 Centauro.” French Wikipedia entry.
Wardrawings aircraft profile (REAF G.55A).
Groves, J. (2023). Sword Fiat G.55 of 5 Squadron REAF.
