RS Models 92159 Ambrosini SAI 403 Dardo

The Ambrosini SAI.403 Dardo (Italian for an arrow) was a prototype Italian fighter aircraft from the Second World War in a wooden low wing structure, covered with canvas and plywood. The drive was provided by a single engine Isotta-Fraschini Delta RC.21/60 Serie I-IV with a power of 750 hp. The flight of the prototype took place in 1943 - the machine never entered mass production. The deck armament - in the Dardo-A version - was to consist of two 12.7 mm BREDA-Safat machine guns.

Ambrosini SAI.403 Dardo was created as a far-reaching development of the SAI.207 aircraft, but it had better aerodynamic properties, was easier to pilot and was characterized by better maneuverability. It was also made of wood, which significantly reduced production costs. It was planned to create three versions of the aircraft: Dardo-A (light fighter), Dardo-B (classic interceptor) and Dardo-C (long range fighter). However, the plans to implement this machine into mass production were abandoned as a result of the signing of the armistice by Italy in September 1943. During the later occupation of this country by Germany Ambrosini SAI.403 has been extensively tested by them, but has not been put into production either.