Named after one of its founder members, Giovanni Ansaldo, Gio. Ansaldo & Co. S.A.S. was established in 1853 and based in Genoa. It manufactured railway components initially and diversified into shipbuilding and other mechanical works. This included aircraft construction, which was undertaken as part of the FIAT group. The company lasted until 1993 when it became a part of the Finmeccanica group.

SVA series. In Turin 1916, Umberto Savoia and Rodolfo Verduzio set out to build Italy's first indigenous fighter aircraft. Overseen by the celebrated designer Celestino Rosatelli, who played a vital role in its development, the production contract was awarded to Ansaldo hence the Savoia Verduzio Ansaldo aircraft designation. First flown in 1917, it demonstrated good speed, range and high altitude capability. This made it ideal for reconnaissance even though it was originally intend as a fighter. Highly regarded by all pilots, it enjoyed a long service. So much so, a few were used for a short while as a trainer in the Regia Aeronautica, hence its inclusion on this website. No doubt due to its unique and elegant fuselage design, it has proved to be a popular subject for modellers. Artiplast released a 1/50 scale model way back in the 1970's which has resurfaced since as a SMER kit. Spin Models produced a decent enough 1/48 resin kit but a better choice would be Fly Models 1/48 range; the early/late SVA.5 and the two-seat SVA.9/SVA.10. Choroszy Modelbud's 1/72 resin kits of the SVA.3, SVA.5, SVA.9 and SVA.10 are also good. For those who prefer injection moulded kits in this scale, we have the Fly/Admiral SVA.5, which share the same tooling, as do the Kovozavody Prostejov SVA.9 & SAV.10 kits, which have new fuselage parts. For modellers with deeper pockets there is Lukgraphs full 3-D print in 1/32 scale. Online images show wonderful levels of detail and would make for an excellent showpiece model.

Ansaldo A.1 'Balilla'. Although the SVA.5 excelled in the reconnaissance role, it was found to be unsuitable as a fighter. The A.1 was a derivative of the SVA.5 with reduced dimensions and conventional wing struts. Despite its higher speed, it was unpopular with pilots. Karaya produced good quality 1/72 & 1/48 resin kits and Techmod have released a 1/48 injection moulded kit. The ultimate would be Lukgraphs 1/32 3-D print model now that Aviattics 1/32 resin masterpiece is completely sold out.  

Ansaldo AC.2. Essentially a Dewoitine D.1 built under license by Ansaldo. 112 were built for the Regia Aeronautica and there is a surviving example at the Vigna di Valle aircraft museum. With the Dujin 1/72 resin kit discontinued, the 1/72 Choroszy Modelbud resin kit of the Dewoitine D.1 could make an ideal donor kit. Any markings would have to be home made or sourced from spares.

Ansaldo AC.3. A license built version of the Dewoitine D.9, a derivative of the D.1 powered by a Jupiter radial. 150 were built for the Regia Aeronautica. LF Models produced a 1/72 resin kit of this aircraft.

Ansaldo A.120 Ady. Also referred to as the FIAT A.120, this aircraft was powered by the FIAT A.22 engine. About 60 were built and was used mainly in the reconnaissance role. Kora released a series of 1/72 injection moulded kits with a wide range of markings, including 2 Regia Aeronautica schemes. One has markings for Italo Balbos long distance flight in 1928. It is a fairly typical short run kit and comes with some heavy handed detailing, especially the fabric detail on the wing. This can be refined to help make a decent looking model.

SVA.9

SVA.10

AC.3

AC.2

A.120 Ady

Model images are links to a build article

A.1