Fiat / Ansaldo A.120 — Parasol Reconnaissance Monoplane
The Fiat / Ansaldo A.120 was a prominent Italian reconnaissance parasol-wing monoplane developed in the mid-1920s, born from a hybrid design concept combining wing geometry adapted from the Ansaldo A.115 and an all-metal fuselage layout influenced by the licensed Dewoitine D.1 fighter. Following Fiat's acquisition of Ansaldo's aviation branch in 1926, the type was progressively refined through three distinct powerplant variants and served with the Regia Aeronautica as well as export operators including the Austrian and Lithuanian air forces.
This Living Collection consolidates the surviving primary-source technical documentation: the official 1929 Ministero dell'Aeronautica assembly and rigging manual and the Fiat A-22T engine instruction manual — both issued under the authority of the Ministero dell'Aeronautica, Direzione Generale delle Costruzioni e degli Approvvigionamenti.
Collection Contents
No Variant — Common Documents
- A.120 Engine — Istruzioni per l'Uso del Motore Fiat A-22T (V Serie) · Ministero dell'Aeronautica, Direzione Generale delle Costruzioni e degli Approvvigionamenti · Italian Language · Roma, Provveditorato Generale dello Stato, Libreria · 1930 (VIII)
- A.120 Operating & Maintenance — Apparecchio A.120 · Aeronautica d'Italia S.A., Torino · Istruzioni per il Montaggio e la Regolazione · Ministero dell'Aeronautica, Direzione Generale del Genio Aeronautico · Italian Language · Roma, Provveditorato Generale dello Stato, Libreria · 1929
- A.120 Slides, Photos & Brochures — Fiat / Ansaldo A.120 Photographic Collection · English Language
Aerodynamic Profile & Configuration
- Design Origin: Hybrid concept — wing configuration from the Ansaldo A.115, all-metal fuselage layout influenced by the licensed Dewoitine D.1 fighter.
- Wing Configuration: Parasol monoplane. Wing braced externally by a pair of prominent diagonal struts on each side, transferring aerodynamic loads directly to the lower fuselage frame joints.
- Control Surfaces: Conventional ailerons on the trailing edge of the main plane, supplemented by a standard wood-and-fabric tail assembly.
- Fuselage: Rectangular welded steel tube structure covered in treated canvas — high rigidity with resistance to torsional loads under flight stress.
- Landing Gear: Fixed, with oversized wheels on a rigid axle linked directly to the main wing strut anchors for high-stress landing absorption.
- Crew Layout: Tandem open cockpits — pilot forward, observer/gunner rear with defensive ring mount. Weight positioned near centre of gravity for pitch stability.
Engine Technical Notes
- Prototypes: Lorraine-Dietrich 12 Db V-12, liquid-cooled, 400 hp. Parallel prototype (A.120bis) tested the Fiat A.20A (400 hp).
- A.120 Ady (Production): Fiat A.22T V-12, 550 hp. Distinct saddle-type radiator draped over the forward nose section.
- A.120R (Late Variant): Fiat A.24R, 700 hp. Integrated tunnel radiator positioned cleanly under the nose.
Performance Data — A.120 Ady
| Parameter | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 12.80 m | 42 ft 0 in |
| Length | 8.60 m | 28 ft 3 in |
| Height | 2.80 m | 9 ft 2 in |
| Wing Area | 27.40 m² | 295 sq ft |
| Empty Weight | 960 kg | 2,116 lbs |
| Maximum Weight | 1,420 kg | 3,130 lbs |
| Maximum Speed | 225–254 km/h | 140–158 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 7,000 m | 22,965 ft |
| Endurance | 5 hours | — |
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
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