Sagittario 2

The Aerfer Sagittario 2 (Italian for sagittarius) was a prototype all-metal single-seat lightweight jet-powered fighter aircraft designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Aerfer. It was the first Italian aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds. A major impetus for the development of the Sagittario 2 was the issuing of NATO Basic Military Requirement 1 (NBMR-1) in December 1953, which sought a new light tactical support aircraft for NATO air services. Aerfer's design team, headed by the Italian aeronautical engineer Sergio Stefanutti, promptly produced the Sagittario 2 as the company's response. Although the submission was reviewed by NATO officials, the Sagittario 2 was ultimately passed over in favour of other aircraft, these being the Breguet Br.1001 Taon, the Fiat G.91, and the Dassault Mystère XXVI. Aefer proceeded to complete and test-fly two prototypes. Accordingly, the Sagittario 2 performed its maiden flight on 19 May 1956. One of the prototypes broke the sound barrier for the first time on 4 December 1956. While the Italian Air Force did evaluate the type, no resulting production order was ever received. While testing of the Sagittario 2 concluded in the late 1950s, development work continued as the Ariete.

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