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This is an attempt to untangle the designations of aircraft designed by ing. Ermenegildo 'Gildo' Preti (1918-1986). Necessarily, this means a great deal of overlap with the CVV (del Politecnico di Milano) and SAI and SAI Ambrosini designation lists. But attempting to rationalizing Preti's designations appears to be folly as they proceed in fits and starts or are based on engine power or other non-sequential numbers.
One mystery for me is the mention of an unbuilt 1954 project for a military assault aircraft of metal construction ("un velivolo metallico militare da assalto"). Presumably that refers to some form of assault transport aircraft (perhaps intended to update the P.412 concept?). However, I've seen no designation associated with this assault project. And, there's plenty of other info gaps ... so all additions/corrections gratefully received.
Ermenegildo Preti's designation series starts before he completes his degree at the Politecnico di Milano. It begins with a purely numerical series ...
Ermenegildo Preti Aircraft Designations
Preti designed two gliders with his friend, Maurizio Garbell, prior to Preti's 1938 enrollment at the Politecnico di Milano. Although better-known today by their retroactive CVV designations, these first designs were originally assigned GP.x designations.
'GP' Designations - Maurizio Garbell and Ermenegildo Preti
GP.1 - 1937 Pinguino single-seat sailplane
- GP.1: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.30 m
- GP.1: Better known as CVV 1 Pinguino, x 4
GP.2 - 1937 Asiago single-seat sailplane trainer
- GP.2: High-mounted braced wing, span 13.70 m
- GP.2: Better known as CCV 2 Asiago, x 60*
-- * 25 x built as the Aeronautica Lombarda GP.2
-- Named after Asiago airfield (elev. 1,001 m)
'CVV' Designations - Centro di Volo a Vela (Politecnico di Milano)
As noted above, the Pinguino and Asiago gliders were designed with Maurizio Garbell prior to Preti enrolling the Politecnico di Milano in 1938. Sources differ on dates for the Arcore sailplane - some saying 1937, others 1938. However, I can find no evidence of a 'GP.x' designation for the Arcore. Closely related to the Pinguino, it's possible that design work on the Arcore began prior to enrollment and was completed at the Centro di volo a vela.
CVV 3 - 1937 Arcore single-seat sailplane
- CVV 3: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.70 m
- CCV 3: Designed by Ermenegildo Preti alone
-- 4 x Arcore built by CCV 1937-1939*
-- CVV 3 named after Milano-Arcore airfield
-- * Contended, poss. only prototype I-DICI
CVV 4 - 1939 Pellicano single-seat sailplane
- CVV 4: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.00 m
- CCV 4: Design by Preti & Venturini brothers*
-- * Leonardo Venturini & Pietro Venturini, x 1
-- Built in 3 months for cancelled 1940 Olympics
CVV 5 - 1939 Papero single-seat sailplane
- CVV 5: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.30 m
- CCV 5: Designed by E. Preti alone, 4 x built
CVV 6 - 1941 Canguro 2-seat sailplane
- CVV 6: Shoulder-mounted wing, span 19.20 m
- CVV-6 Canguro M: Moto-glider conv.*
-- Canguro M: 1 x 23 hp SAI P-25 HO2
-- * 1955 conv. design w/ Col Adriano Mantelli
- CCV 6: Designed by E. Preti alone, x 53 **
-- ** Aeronautica Lombarda x 1, SAI Ambrosini x 52
CVV 7 - 1940* Pinocchio single-seat sailplane, x 1
- CVV 7: High-mounted cantilever wing, span 18.50
- CCV 7: Designed begun by E. Preti alone in 1940*
-- * Constr. stopped, resumed 1946, flew April 1952
CVV 8 - (Project) 1945 Linate training glider
- CCV 8: Tandem 2-seater, instructor beneath wing
- CVV 8: High-mounted braced wing, span 16.00 m
- CVV 8: Designed by Preti, project abandoned
-- CVV 8 project named after Linate airfield
CVV 8 - 1957* Bonaventura 2-seat sailplane
- CVV 8: High-mounted cantilever wing, span 19.00
-- * Design work first begun by Preti in 1954
-- x 15; CVV built 2, Avionautica Rio SpA x 13
I have found no mention of any 'CVV 9' or similar, numerically-later designations. Tempting as it is to try to bridge the gap between CVV 8 and AL.12P, there is no numerical relationship. In any case, the 1942 'P.12' antedates the 1945 CVV 8 Linate. (BTW, the '12' in AL.12P referred to the 'payload' of 12 paracadutisti.)
As near as I can tell, Preti's next design after the Pinocchio (begun in 1940) was the SCA.3 transport/assault glider (abandoned at the Armistice when 70% complete). Designed with Sergio Stefanutti, the 'SCA' designation refers to the Stabilimento Costruzioni Aeronautiche at the Regia Aeronautica's Centro Sperimentale at Guidonia (Rome). [1] Oddly, Preti seems to have been working on the competing SCA.3 and AL.12P designs at or about the same time.
Another wartime collaboration - this time with Stelio Frati, with oversight by Stefanutti - was the the Aeronautica Lombarda A.R. (Assalto Radioguidato) flying bomb. As there was no preceding radio-controlled flying bomb,[2] the A.R. designation received no number. [3]
_____________________________
[1] For the record, the SCA.2 was Stefanutti's DFS 230 copy which was not accepted. No 'SCA.1' has been found other than as a dirigible name.
[2] There had been the programma ARP (Aereo Radio Pilotato) to remote-controlled 'war-weary' S.M.79 bombers. However, these ARP 'bombe volanti' conversions received no distinct designations.
[3] For unknown reasons, the designation A.R.4 is associated with the proposed pick-a-back installation with a Macchi C.202 fighter as the controller aircraft.
_______________________________
Non-Sequential Aircraft Designations related to Ermenegildo Preti
SCA.3 - [Project] 1942 transport glider* to RA requirement
- SCA.3: Enlarged SCA.2 concept, 1,800 kg unloaded, 2,500 kg load
-- * Tail/rear fuselage to fold for loading and unloading
-- SCA.3 70% complete Apr 1943 but incomplete at Armistice
A.R. - 1943 Assalto Radioguidato single-engined flying bomb, x 5
- A.R. : 1 x 1,000 h.p. Fiat A.80 18-cyl, span 17 m, MM.75576
- A.R.4: (Project) Pick-a-back Macchi C.202 controller a/c*
-- * Generically, an Aeroplani-Progetti prototipi speciali
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1260.msg10142.html
-- http://www.alieuomini.it/files/anteprima/medium/aeronautica_lombarda_assalto_radioguidato,3274.jpg
Non-Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designation
P.12 - 1942 Lombarda AL.12P transport/assault glider, x 2
- P.12 : Poss. Stato Maggiore Armamenti Aerei desig.
-- aka Aeronautica Lombarda AL-12P, Ambrosini AL-12P
- AL.12P: Span 21.34 m, crew x 2 + 12 paratroopers
-- Lombarda prototypes, SAI Ambrosini prod'n begun
- AL.12T: (Project) Versione motorizzata conv.
- AL.12T: 1 x nose-mounted 460 hp Piaggio P.VII
-- MM.508 planned to be mod. as AL.12T, abandoned
-- Postwar SAI proposed to MdA building 6 x AL.12T
- P.512 : (Project) 1947 twin-engined MM.508 adaptation
- P.512 : 2 x 225 hp Alfa Romeo 115 ter 6-cyl
-- SAI Ambrosini project replacing AL.12T concept*
-- * Allowing hinged-nose loading to be retained**
-- ** SAI bought MM.508 hidden by Romolo Ambrosini
Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designations
P.18 -- [Project] 1954 2-seat mid-wing jet trainer
- P.18: 1 x 880 lbf Turbomeca Marboré II, span 9.90 m
-- P.18: Side-by-side 2-seater, all-metal construction
-- P.18: Designed specifically for SAI Ambrosini
-- Intended as an ab initio military trainer
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9940.msg92500.html
P.19 - 1959 Scricciolo 2-seat trainer/tourer, x ~50
- P.19: Built to Aero Club d'Italia specification
-- Built by Aviamilano Costruzione Aeronautiche, Bresso
- P.19: Side-by-side, tailwheel u/c, mixed struct.*
-- * Steel-tube fuselage, wood wings (GRP leading edge)
- P.19 : Prototype,** 1 x 95 hp Continental C90-12F
-- ** P.19 c/n 301, I-MAGY, first flew on 13 Dec 1959
- P.19 : 1 x 100 hp Continental O-200-A, span 10.24 m
-- http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircraft/small/000/177/177514.jpg
- P.19Tr: Variant with a tricycle undercarriage, x 1
-- P.19Tr c/n 320, I-GAGI, 1 x Continental O-200-A**
-- ** P.19Tr c/n 325 I-NEGR may have been a conversion
-- P.19 design intended to be easily conv. to tricycle
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/JS/Janes66/2/091-2.jpg
- P.19R : 1964 glider tug, 150 hp Lycoming O-320-A1A
-- P.19R: 1 x conv. from standard P.19, I-MARM
- P.19TR: P.19 c/n 305 conv., 1 x 150 hp Lycoming O-320
P.20 - (Project) 1960 4-seat P.19 deriv.. retract. u/c
- P.20: Metal constr., planned 500 km/h top speed
- P.20: Designed for Aviamilano, P.20 not developed
P.21 - (Project) 1960 4-seat P.19 deriv., retract. u/c
- P.21: Metal constr., planned 500 km/h top speed
- P.21: Designed for Aviamilano, P.21 not developed
P.22 - (Project) 1960 3-seat P.19 deriv., retract. u/c
- P.22: Metal constr., intended for sports use
- P.22: Designed for Aviamilano, P.22 not developed
P.23 - (Project) 196? 2-seat training a/c,* fixed u/c
- P.23: Metal constr., * for addestramento basico
- P.23: Designed for Aviamilano, P.23 not developed
P.24 - (Project) 1957 turboprop* 4-seat executive a/c
- P.24: Pressurized executive transport for Ambrosini
- P.24: 1 x turboprop engine,* engine type unknown**
-- * One source claims that P.24 was 'twin-engined'
-- ** Turboelica may have been planned Fiat 4301
'P' for 'Preti' Ambrosini Aero-Engine Designations
Preti designed at least two small aero-engines for SAI Ambrosini immediately after the war. The 2-cylinder P.25 fits neatly here. However, originating a full decade before the P.24 was even draughted, P.25 is clearly not a sequential designation. Instead, Preti's aero-engines were designation for their nominal horsepower.
P.25 - 1947 horizontally-opposed 2-cylinder engine
- P.25: Air-cooled 2-stroke 817cc (85 mm x 72 mm)
-- P.25 engine produced 22 hp* @ 3,000rpm, 18 kg
-- Originally intended to produce 26 hp for TO
-- Powered Movo F.M.1, Partenavia P.53, CVV-6 Canguro M, Mantelli AM-11, GCA.2 Dumbo
P.70 - 1947 horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine
- P.70: Air-cooled 2-stroke 2,980cc (100 x 92 mm)
-- P.70 engine produced 75 hp @ 2,500rpm, 78 kg
-- Orig. intended to power Preti's PM-280 racer
'Century' Series Ermenegildo Preti Aircraft Designations
Other than having '1xx designations, these are simply freelance designs by Preti. The first was the AP.100 light transport designed for Agusta. In model form, the AP.100 project was displayed at the 1950 Milan Aeronautical Fair (alongside the Mario Castoldi-designed Agusta AC.208 advanced trainer). Here, the 'P' in AP.100 was for 'Preti'. However, with the following P.110, the 'P' was for 'Politecnico' ... or, at least, that is how it began.
The P.110 design may have been done at the Politecnico di Milano but the prototype seems to have been built by Aer.Macchi. However, when produced by Agusta, the design became the CP.110. Here, the 'P' designation prefix has reverting back to 'Preti' ... but what that 'C' is for is anyone's guess!
The '1xx designations seem to begin with reference to engine power. Certainly the P.110 designation seems prompted by it's Alfa Romeo 110ter powerplant. Perhaps that was true of the unbuilt 1950 P.100/AP.100 project as well? However, after the P.110, Preti's '1xx light plane designations proceed sequentially.
Agusta AP.100 - (Project) 1950 twin-engined light transport
- AP.100: Low-wing monoplane, single fin, retr. main u/c
- AP.100: Model unveiled at Milan, exhibited at Paris Salon
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11859.html#msg11859
P.110 - 1949 4-seat military trainer/light a/c, x 1
- P.110: Low-wing wooden constr., retr.trike u/c
- P.110: 1 x 145 hp A-R 110ter 4-cyl, 10.60 span
-- Assoc'd with Macchi (which may have built prototype)
-- aka Politecnico P.110, 'CVV P.110', Agusta CP.110
-- Better-known as CP.110, tested by AMI at Guidonia
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11891.html#msg11891
-- NB: Agusta A 110 was unrelated compound project
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/MM/MM-12/1007-22-1-1.jpg
P.111 - 1951 3-seat military trainer*/light a/c, x 1
- P.111: Low-wing wooden constr., fixed tailwheel u/c
- P.111: 1 x 175 hp* Lycoming O-435-1 HO6, span 10.60 m
-- * Tendered to AMI, lost to Piaggio P.148 & Macchi M.416
- P.111: Wooden constr., retr. trike u/c potential
-- aka Agusta A.111 or CP.111 (but marked as 'P.111')
-- * Some sources say 185 hp
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/MM/MM-12/1007-22-1-1.jpg
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11891.html#msg11891
P.112 - (Project) 2-seat low-wing cabin monoplane
- P.112: Single-engined, metal constr.,* trike u/c
-- Designed to be easily transf. into 4-seater
-- * Alata VII N.6 speculates alt. wooden constr.
Non-Standard, Non-Sequential 'PR' Aircraft Designation
I have no idea what the PR.2 designation refers to. The 'P' could be for 'Preti' or the 'Politecnico di Milano' in whose workshops 'Capo' Cabrilla constructed the airframe in 1946. It is anyone's guess as to what the 'R' and '2' refer to.
1946 the PR.2 Saltafossi* ultra-light a/c, x 1
- PR.2: Single-seat braced high-wing monoplane
- PR.2: 1 x 20 hp Aer.Macchi MB.2 HO2,* span 6.60 m
-- * Tempting to suggest P.25 was orig. planned
-- Saltafossi translates as 'ditch-hopper'
-- Built 1946 by Angelo Cabrilla, wooden constr.
-- aka 'CVV PR.2 Saltafossi' (for student helpers)
-- 1946 Venegono Superiore tests, no evid. of flight
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/HI/HI-5/105-1.jpg
-- Dec 2002: GAVS Lombardia complete PR.2 restoration
-- Restored PR.2 test-flown by Giancarlo Zanardo
- PR.2: (2002) 1 x 30 hp** DAF 850 cc HO2 (conv'n)
-- ** 30 hp at 3,800 rpm, 40 hp at 4,500 rpm
-- http://web.tiscali.it/gavsitalia/news/News_saltafossi1.htm
-- 3v: http://www.stormomagazine.com/GAVS/79.pdf
-- https://imgproc.airliners.net/photos/airliners/8/1/9/0715918.jpg?v=v40
Non-Standard, Non-Sequential 'PM' Aircraft Designation
I have seen no explanation for the 'PM' in Preti's one-off PM.280 Tartuca racer. This diminitive racer was built for a display at the XIX Gran Premio d'Italia held on 11 September 1949 at Monza, 14 km NE of Milan. As it turned out, the aircraft was not ready in time. Nevertheless, it is possible that the 'PM' designation prefix stood for 'Preti-Monza' ... but that is just a wild guess.
PM.280 - 1949 Tartuca single-seat monoplane racer, x 1*
- PM.280: Lightweight, low-winged a/c, retract. main u/c
- PM.280: 1 x 60 hp CNA D.4 air-cooled HO4, span 5.00 m
-- 3v: http://airwar.ru/image/idop/la/pm280/pm280-1.gif
-- * I-GARA, 1950 AMI considered PM.280 as a trainer
- PM.280: (As planned) 1 x 75 hp SAI Ambrosini P-70 HO4
-- Now restored by Federazione Club Aviazione Popolare
-- 3v: http://www.astralclub.com/images/tartuca-3views.jpg
Further Non-Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designation
P.303 - (Project) 1951 2-seat low-wing light a/c
- P.303: 1 x 22 hp SAI Ambrosini P.25, span ?? m
-- Retract. u/c, similar in appearance to P.19
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,28020.msg292214.html#msg292214
P.450 - (Project) 1952 turbojet-powered trainer
- P.450: 1 x Turbomeca Marboré, span ?? m
- P.450: Metal contruct'n, designed for Agusta
-- Sources vary on P.450 designation origin*
-- * (I) based on Marboré's 450 kg/s air flow
-- * (II) based on a/c's 450 km/h max. speed
P.502 - [Project] 1948 5-seat twin-engined touring a/c
- P.502: 2 x 120 hp (type not specified), span 12.64 m
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,28013.msg292147.html#msg292147
P.512 - 1949 twin-engined 2+10 transport conversion
- P.512: 2 x 225 hp* A-R 115 6-cyl., span 21.33 m
-- P.512: Powered vers. of Lombarda AL.12 glider
-- * Some sources say 180 hp for P.512's A-R 115s
-- http://www.avia-it.com/act/biblioteca/periodici/PDF%20Riviste/Ala/L'Ala%201948%2002.pdf
-- Plans for higher-powered vers. (Gipsy Queen 30)
-- Flight 11 Nov 1948: P.512 under construction
-- https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1949/1949%20-%200075.PDF
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2093.0.html
Later Non-Standard, Non-Sequential Preti Aircraft Designation
VS-1 - (Project) 1969 2-seat VTOL jet trainer
- VS-1: 1 x Rolls-Royce jet, 1 x Turbomeca*
-- * R-R liftjet, Turbomeca sustaining jet
-- No other details
SS-1 - (Project) 19?? 2-seat fanjet trainer
- SS-1: Ducted fan propulsion, several vers.
- SS-1: (I) Ducted fan under the fuselage
- SS-1: (I) Twin tailbooms with ducted fan
One mystery for me is the mention of an unbuilt 1954 project for a military assault aircraft of metal construction ("un velivolo metallico militare da assalto"). Presumably that refers to some form of assault transport aircraft (perhaps intended to update the P.412 concept?). However, I've seen no designation associated with this assault project. And, there's plenty of other info gaps ... so all additions/corrections gratefully received.
Ermenegildo Preti's designation series starts before he completes his degree at the Politecnico di Milano. It begins with a purely numerical series ...
Ermenegildo Preti Aircraft Designations
Preti designed two gliders with his friend, Maurizio Garbell, prior to Preti's 1938 enrollment at the Politecnico di Milano. Although better-known today by their retroactive CVV designations, these first designs were originally assigned GP.x designations.
'GP' Designations - Maurizio Garbell and Ermenegildo Preti
GP.1 - 1937 Pinguino single-seat sailplane
- GP.1: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.30 m
- GP.1: Better known as CVV 1 Pinguino, x 4
GP.2 - 1937 Asiago single-seat sailplane trainer
- GP.2: High-mounted braced wing, span 13.70 m
- GP.2: Better known as CCV 2 Asiago, x 60*
-- * 25 x built as the Aeronautica Lombarda GP.2
-- Named after Asiago airfield (elev. 1,001 m)
'CVV' Designations - Centro di Volo a Vela (Politecnico di Milano)
As noted above, the Pinguino and Asiago gliders were designed with Maurizio Garbell prior to Preti enrolling the Politecnico di Milano in 1938. Sources differ on dates for the Arcore sailplane - some saying 1937, others 1938. However, I can find no evidence of a 'GP.x' designation for the Arcore. Closely related to the Pinguino, it's possible that design work on the Arcore began prior to enrollment and was completed at the Centro di volo a vela.
CVV 3 - 1937 Arcore single-seat sailplane
- CVV 3: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.70 m
- CCV 3: Designed by Ermenegildo Preti alone
-- 4 x Arcore built by CCV 1937-1939*
-- CVV 3 named after Milano-Arcore airfield
-- * Contended, poss. only prototype I-DICI
CVV 4 - 1939 Pellicano single-seat sailplane
- CVV 4: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.00 m
- CCV 4: Design by Preti & Venturini brothers*
-- * Leonardo Venturini & Pietro Venturini, x 1
-- Built in 3 months for cancelled 1940 Olympics
CVV 5 - 1939 Papero single-seat sailplane
- CVV 5: Mid-placed gulled wing, span 15.30 m
- CCV 5: Designed by E. Preti alone, 4 x built
CVV 6 - 1941 Canguro 2-seat sailplane
- CVV 6: Shoulder-mounted wing, span 19.20 m
- CVV-6 Canguro M: Moto-glider conv.*
-- Canguro M: 1 x 23 hp SAI P-25 HO2
-- * 1955 conv. design w/ Col Adriano Mantelli
- CCV 6: Designed by E. Preti alone, x 53 **
-- ** Aeronautica Lombarda x 1, SAI Ambrosini x 52
CVV 7 - 1940* Pinocchio single-seat sailplane, x 1
- CVV 7: High-mounted cantilever wing, span 18.50
- CCV 7: Designed begun by E. Preti alone in 1940*
-- * Constr. stopped, resumed 1946, flew April 1952
CVV 8 - (Project) 1945 Linate training glider
- CCV 8: Tandem 2-seater, instructor beneath wing
- CVV 8: High-mounted braced wing, span 16.00 m
- CVV 8: Designed by Preti, project abandoned
-- CVV 8 project named after Linate airfield
CVV 8 - 1957* Bonaventura 2-seat sailplane
- CVV 8: High-mounted cantilever wing, span 19.00
-- * Design work first begun by Preti in 1954
-- x 15; CVV built 2, Avionautica Rio SpA x 13
I have found no mention of any 'CVV 9' or similar, numerically-later designations. Tempting as it is to try to bridge the gap between CVV 8 and AL.12P, there is no numerical relationship. In any case, the 1942 'P.12' antedates the 1945 CVV 8 Linate. (BTW, the '12' in AL.12P referred to the 'payload' of 12 paracadutisti.)
As near as I can tell, Preti's next design after the Pinocchio (begun in 1940) was the SCA.3 transport/assault glider (abandoned at the Armistice when 70% complete). Designed with Sergio Stefanutti, the 'SCA' designation refers to the Stabilimento Costruzioni Aeronautiche at the Regia Aeronautica's Centro Sperimentale at Guidonia (Rome). [1] Oddly, Preti seems to have been working on the competing SCA.3 and AL.12P designs at or about the same time.
Another wartime collaboration - this time with Stelio Frati, with oversight by Stefanutti - was the the Aeronautica Lombarda A.R. (Assalto Radioguidato) flying bomb. As there was no preceding radio-controlled flying bomb,[2] the A.R. designation received no number. [3]
_____________________________
[1] For the record, the SCA.2 was Stefanutti's DFS 230 copy which was not accepted. No 'SCA.1' has been found other than as a dirigible name.
[2] There had been the programma ARP (Aereo Radio Pilotato) to remote-controlled 'war-weary' S.M.79 bombers. However, these ARP 'bombe volanti' conversions received no distinct designations.
[3] For unknown reasons, the designation A.R.4 is associated with the proposed pick-a-back installation with a Macchi C.202 fighter as the controller aircraft.
_______________________________
Non-Sequential Aircraft Designations related to Ermenegildo Preti
SCA.3 - [Project] 1942 transport glider* to RA requirement
- SCA.3: Enlarged SCA.2 concept, 1,800 kg unloaded, 2,500 kg load
-- * Tail/rear fuselage to fold for loading and unloading
-- SCA.3 70% complete Apr 1943 but incomplete at Armistice
A.R. - 1943 Assalto Radioguidato single-engined flying bomb, x 5
- A.R. : 1 x 1,000 h.p. Fiat A.80 18-cyl, span 17 m, MM.75576
- A.R.4: (Project) Pick-a-back Macchi C.202 controller a/c*
-- * Generically, an Aeroplani-Progetti prototipi speciali
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1260.msg10142.html
-- http://www.alieuomini.it/files/anteprima/medium/aeronautica_lombarda_assalto_radioguidato,3274.jpg
Non-Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designation
P.12 - 1942 Lombarda AL.12P transport/assault glider, x 2
- P.12 : Poss. Stato Maggiore Armamenti Aerei desig.
-- aka Aeronautica Lombarda AL-12P, Ambrosini AL-12P
- AL.12P: Span 21.34 m, crew x 2 + 12 paratroopers
-- Lombarda prototypes, SAI Ambrosini prod'n begun
- AL.12T: (Project) Versione motorizzata conv.
- AL.12T: 1 x nose-mounted 460 hp Piaggio P.VII
-- MM.508 planned to be mod. as AL.12T, abandoned
-- Postwar SAI proposed to MdA building 6 x AL.12T
- P.512 : (Project) 1947 twin-engined MM.508 adaptation
- P.512 : 2 x 225 hp Alfa Romeo 115 ter 6-cyl
-- SAI Ambrosini project replacing AL.12T concept*
-- * Allowing hinged-nose loading to be retained**
-- ** SAI bought MM.508 hidden by Romolo Ambrosini
Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designations
P.18 -- [Project] 1954 2-seat mid-wing jet trainer
- P.18: 1 x 880 lbf Turbomeca Marboré II, span 9.90 m
-- P.18: Side-by-side 2-seater, all-metal construction
-- P.18: Designed specifically for SAI Ambrosini
-- Intended as an ab initio military trainer
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9940.msg92500.html
P.19 - 1959 Scricciolo 2-seat trainer/tourer, x ~50
- P.19: Built to Aero Club d'Italia specification
-- Built by Aviamilano Costruzione Aeronautiche, Bresso
- P.19: Side-by-side, tailwheel u/c, mixed struct.*
-- * Steel-tube fuselage, wood wings (GRP leading edge)
- P.19 : Prototype,** 1 x 95 hp Continental C90-12F
-- ** P.19 c/n 301, I-MAGY, first flew on 13 Dec 1959
- P.19 : 1 x 100 hp Continental O-200-A, span 10.24 m
-- http://www.airport-data.com/images/aircraft/small/000/177/177514.jpg
- P.19Tr: Variant with a tricycle undercarriage, x 1
-- P.19Tr c/n 320, I-GAGI, 1 x Continental O-200-A**
-- ** P.19Tr c/n 325 I-NEGR may have been a conversion
-- P.19 design intended to be easily conv. to tricycle
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/JS/Janes66/2/091-2.jpg
- P.19R : 1964 glider tug, 150 hp Lycoming O-320-A1A
-- P.19R: 1 x conv. from standard P.19, I-MARM
- P.19TR: P.19 c/n 305 conv., 1 x 150 hp Lycoming O-320
P.20 - (Project) 1960 4-seat P.19 deriv.. retract. u/c
- P.20: Metal constr., planned 500 km/h top speed
- P.20: Designed for Aviamilano, P.20 not developed
P.21 - (Project) 1960 4-seat P.19 deriv., retract. u/c
- P.21: Metal constr., planned 500 km/h top speed
- P.21: Designed for Aviamilano, P.21 not developed
P.22 - (Project) 1960 3-seat P.19 deriv., retract. u/c
- P.22: Metal constr., intended for sports use
- P.22: Designed for Aviamilano, P.22 not developed
P.23 - (Project) 196? 2-seat training a/c,* fixed u/c
- P.23: Metal constr., * for addestramento basico
- P.23: Designed for Aviamilano, P.23 not developed
P.24 - (Project) 1957 turboprop* 4-seat executive a/c
- P.24: Pressurized executive transport for Ambrosini
- P.24: 1 x turboprop engine,* engine type unknown**
-- * One source claims that P.24 was 'twin-engined'
-- ** Turboelica may have been planned Fiat 4301
'P' for 'Preti' Ambrosini Aero-Engine Designations
Preti designed at least two small aero-engines for SAI Ambrosini immediately after the war. The 2-cylinder P.25 fits neatly here. However, originating a full decade before the P.24 was even draughted, P.25 is clearly not a sequential designation. Instead, Preti's aero-engines were designation for their nominal horsepower.
P.25 - 1947 horizontally-opposed 2-cylinder engine
- P.25: Air-cooled 2-stroke 817cc (85 mm x 72 mm)
-- P.25 engine produced 22 hp* @ 3,000rpm, 18 kg
-- Originally intended to produce 26 hp for TO
-- Powered Movo F.M.1, Partenavia P.53, CVV-6 Canguro M, Mantelli AM-11, GCA.2 Dumbo
P.70 - 1947 horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine
- P.70: Air-cooled 2-stroke 2,980cc (100 x 92 mm)
-- P.70 engine produced 75 hp @ 2,500rpm, 78 kg
-- Orig. intended to power Preti's PM-280 racer
'Century' Series Ermenegildo Preti Aircraft Designations
Other than having '1xx designations, these are simply freelance designs by Preti. The first was the AP.100 light transport designed for Agusta. In model form, the AP.100 project was displayed at the 1950 Milan Aeronautical Fair (alongside the Mario Castoldi-designed Agusta AC.208 advanced trainer). Here, the 'P' in AP.100 was for 'Preti'. However, with the following P.110, the 'P' was for 'Politecnico' ... or, at least, that is how it began.
The P.110 design may have been done at the Politecnico di Milano but the prototype seems to have been built by Aer.Macchi. However, when produced by Agusta, the design became the CP.110. Here, the 'P' designation prefix has reverting back to 'Preti' ... but what that 'C' is for is anyone's guess!
The '1xx designations seem to begin with reference to engine power. Certainly the P.110 designation seems prompted by it's Alfa Romeo 110ter powerplant. Perhaps that was true of the unbuilt 1950 P.100/AP.100 project as well? However, after the P.110, Preti's '1xx light plane designations proceed sequentially.
Agusta AP.100 - (Project) 1950 twin-engined light transport
- AP.100: Low-wing monoplane, single fin, retr. main u/c
- AP.100: Model unveiled at Milan, exhibited at Paris Salon
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11859.html#msg11859
P.110 - 1949 4-seat military trainer/light a/c, x 1
- P.110: Low-wing wooden constr., retr.trike u/c
- P.110: 1 x 145 hp A-R 110ter 4-cyl, 10.60 span
-- Assoc'd with Macchi (which may have built prototype)
-- aka Politecnico P.110, 'CVV P.110', Agusta CP.110
-- Better-known as CP.110, tested by AMI at Guidonia
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11891.html#msg11891
-- NB: Agusta A 110 was unrelated compound project
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/MM/MM-12/1007-22-1-1.jpg
P.111 - 1951 3-seat military trainer*/light a/c, x 1
- P.111: Low-wing wooden constr., fixed tailwheel u/c
- P.111: 1 x 175 hp* Lycoming O-435-1 HO6, span 10.60 m
-- * Tendered to AMI, lost to Piaggio P.148 & Macchi M.416
- P.111: Wooden constr., retr. trike u/c potential
-- aka Agusta A.111 or CP.111 (but marked as 'P.111')
-- * Some sources say 185 hp
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/MM/MM-12/1007-22-1-1.jpg
-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1428.msg11891.html#msg11891
P.112 - (Project) 2-seat low-wing cabin monoplane
- P.112: Single-engined, metal constr.,* trike u/c
-- Designed to be easily transf. into 4-seater
-- * Alata VII N.6 speculates alt. wooden constr.
Non-Standard, Non-Sequential 'PR' Aircraft Designation
I have no idea what the PR.2 designation refers to. The 'P' could be for 'Preti' or the 'Politecnico di Milano' in whose workshops 'Capo' Cabrilla constructed the airframe in 1946. It is anyone's guess as to what the 'R' and '2' refer to.
1946 the PR.2 Saltafossi* ultra-light a/c, x 1
- PR.2: Single-seat braced high-wing monoplane
- PR.2: 1 x 20 hp Aer.Macchi MB.2 HO2,* span 6.60 m
-- * Tempting to suggest P.25 was orig. planned
-- Saltafossi translates as 'ditch-hopper'
-- Built 1946 by Angelo Cabrilla, wooden constr.
-- aka 'CVV PR.2 Saltafossi' (for student helpers)
-- 1946 Venegono Superiore tests, no evid. of flight
-- http://aviadejavu.ru/Images6/HI/HI-5/105-1.jpg
-- Dec 2002: GAVS Lombardia complete PR.2 restoration
-- Restored PR.2 test-flown by Giancarlo Zanardo
- PR.2: (2002) 1 x 30 hp** DAF 850 cc HO2 (conv'n)
-- ** 30 hp at 3,800 rpm, 40 hp at 4,500 rpm
-- http://web.tiscali.it/gavsitalia/news/News_saltafossi1.htm
-- 3v: http://www.stormomagazine.com/GAVS/79.pdf
-- https://imgproc.airliners.net/photos/airliners/8/1/9/0715918.jpg?v=v40
Non-Standard, Non-Sequential 'PM' Aircraft Designation
I have seen no explanation for the 'PM' in Preti's one-off PM.280 Tartuca racer. This diminitive racer was built for a display at the XIX Gran Premio d'Italia held on 11 September 1949 at Monza, 14 km NE of Milan. As it turned out, the aircraft was not ready in time. Nevertheless, it is possible that the 'PM' designation prefix stood for 'Preti-Monza' ... but that is just a wild guess.
PM.280 - 1949 Tartuca single-seat monoplane racer, x 1*
- PM.280: Lightweight, low-winged a/c, retract. main u/c
- PM.280: 1 x 60 hp CNA D.4 air-cooled HO4, span 5.00 m
-- 3v: http://airwar.ru/image/idop/la/pm280/pm280-1.gif
-- * I-GARA, 1950 AMI considered PM.280 as a trainer
- PM.280: (As planned) 1 x 75 hp SAI Ambrosini P-70 HO4
-- Now restored by Federazione Club Aviazione Popolare
-- 3v: http://www.astralclub.com/images/tartuca-3views.jpg
Further Non-Sequential 'P' for 'Preti' Aircraft Designation
P.303 - (Project) 1951 2-seat low-wing light a/c
- P.303: 1 x 22 hp SAI Ambrosini P.25, span ?? m
-- Retract. u/c, similar in appearance to P.19
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,28020.msg292214.html#msg292214
P.450 - (Project) 1952 turbojet-powered trainer
- P.450: 1 x Turbomeca Marboré, span ?? m
- P.450: Metal contruct'n, designed for Agusta
-- Sources vary on P.450 designation origin*
-- * (I) based on Marboré's 450 kg/s air flow
-- * (II) based on a/c's 450 km/h max. speed
P.502 - [Project] 1948 5-seat twin-engined touring a/c
- P.502: 2 x 120 hp (type not specified), span 12.64 m
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,28013.msg292147.html#msg292147
P.512 - 1949 twin-engined 2+10 transport conversion
- P.512: 2 x 225 hp* A-R 115 6-cyl., span 21.33 m
-- P.512: Powered vers. of Lombarda AL.12 glider
-- * Some sources say 180 hp for P.512's A-R 115s
-- http://www.avia-it.com/act/biblioteca/periodici/PDF%20Riviste/Ala/L'Ala%201948%2002.pdf
-- Plans for higher-powered vers. (Gipsy Queen 30)
-- Flight 11 Nov 1948: P.512 under construction
-- https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1949/1949%20-%200075.PDF
-- http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2093.0.html
Later Non-Standard, Non-Sequential Preti Aircraft Designation
VS-1 - (Project) 1969 2-seat VTOL jet trainer
- VS-1: 1 x Rolls-Royce jet, 1 x Turbomeca*
-- * R-R liftjet, Turbomeca sustaining jet
-- No other details
SS-1 - (Project) 19?? 2-seat fanjet trainer
- SS-1: Ducted fan propulsion, several vers.
- SS-1: (I) Ducted fan under the fuselage
- SS-1: (I) Twin tailbooms with ducted fan
