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, that a few were used for a short while as a trainer in the Regia Aeronautica, hence its inclusion on this website. 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 series of 4 1/48 kits; 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.

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  with reduced dimensions and conventional 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 Aviattics 1/32 resin masterpiece but they are completely sold out.  

Ansaldo AC.2. This was a Dewoitine D.1 built under license by Ansaldo. 112 were built for the Regia Aeronautica and there is a surviving example at the aircraft museum at Vigna di Valle. 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, about 60 of this particular variant of the parasol aircraft, powered by a FIAT A.22 engine, were built for the Regia Aeronautica. It was used in the reconnaissance role. There are no known kits of this aircraft.

SVA.9

SVA.10

AC.3

AC.2

A.120 Ady

Model images are links to a build article

A.1