Based in Milan, the Laboratorio Costruzioni Aeronauatiche Piero Magni was founded in 1919 by former WWI pilot Piero Magni. He had taken out a patent in 1919 for a parasol type aircraft featuring load bearing, paddle-shaped wings struts that provided extra lift and acted as an airbrake when rotated 90 degrees into the airsteam (see second image on the right). Another patent was the 'minimum penetration hood' that was to become known as the 'NACA' cowl. His research aircraft were the first to feature these pioneering concepts.

In 1924 at his factory at Meda he started the development of the PM.1 & PM.2 'Vittoria', both powered by the Anzani 6 A.20 radial engine. They were used as test beds. The large paddle-shaped wings/struts of the PM.1 were replaced on the PM.2 with more conventional v-shaped struts and the leading strut designed to tilt or rotate. A two seat PM.2 Bi-Vittoria was built in 1927.

The PM.3-1 'Vale', built in Taliedo in 1934, was powered by a Farina T.38 5-cylinder radial. The wings had a more elliptical planform with more streamlining introduced throughout the airframe.

In 1935 another aircraft was built by Magni. This was the Jona J.6, a tandem-seat cantilever sesquiplane designed by ing. Alberto Jona. Powered by a Fiat A.34 7-cylinder radial, the J.6 had an hinged upper 'oscillating' wing designed to be spin proof. A militarised J.6/S trainer variant was built without the oscillating wing and was powered by an Alfa Romeo D2 C.30 9-cylinder engine. The Regia Aeronautica demonstrated an interest in this aircraft but no orders were placed.

The PM.3-4 Vale, which was a development of the PM.3-1, was built in 1937. It featured a few detail changes such a revised engine cowl. This aircraft was eventually donated to the Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci in Milan by Piero Magni himself and it has remained there to this day. It gives the visitor a chance to appreciate the almost flawless construction of this distinctive aircraft.

A PM.4-1 was also built in 1937, powered by a FIAT A.54 engine. It was intended as a trainer aircraft but all further development was halted by the onset of war.

Piero Magni continued his career as an aeronautical engineer and worked with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, with the NACA cowl being perhaps his main contribution to the aircraft industry.

Thanks must go to Chororszy Modelbud for their 1/72 resin kits of the PM.1, PM.2, PM.3-1 and PM.3-4.  They are charming, petite models that warrant careful assembly and make for a very interesting quartet!

PM.1 Vittoria

PM.2

PM.1 (with flaps deployed)

PM.3-1 Vale

PM 3-4 Vale

Jona J.6

Jona J.6S