The first new single-engined Fiat design built after World War II, the Fiat G.46, was projected as an intermediate trainer in 1946 and the G.46B prototype was flown for the first time in the summer of 1947. An all-metal cantilever low-wing monoplane, the G.46 incorporated inward-retracting landing gear and a glazed canopy for the tandem-seated pupil and instructor. Early tests revealed excellent flight characteristics, combining good manoeuvrability and an ability to perform aerobatics with a high degree of safety.

The G.46 was accepted for quantity production and orders followed both for the Aeronautica Militare and for export. Two-seat versions built in quantity included the G.46-1B with an 195 hp (145 kW) Alfa Romeo 115bis engine; the G.46-2B with de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine of 250 hp (186 kW) and the G.46-3B and G.46-4B differing in detailed equipment but both having the 215 hp (160 kW) Alfa Romeo 115ter engine. A single-seat variant was built as the G.46-A, powered by the Alfa 115ter, and sub-variants designated G.46-3A and G.46-4A differed only in detail.

Some 150 of all versions were delivered to the Italian air arm and 70 aircraft were exported. Production terminated in 1952, but Italian service G.46s remained at military training schools for a number of years before survivors were relegated to civil aero clubs where they were used for aerobatic training. The final version built, the G.46-5B, was a specialised two-seat navigation trainer that did not advance beyond the prototype stage.

Fiat G.46/G.46B - The Fiat G.46 was the company designation for the first new single-engined aircraft by the Fiat company since the war. In prototype form it was designated G.46B (two seater) and flew for the first time in the summer of 1947.

Fiat G.46-1B/G.46-2B/G.46-3B/G.46-4B - These two-seat versions represented the first production aircraft. The G.46-1B was powered by a 195 hp (145 kW) Alfa Romeo 115bis engine, the G.46-2B was powered by a 250 hp (186 kW) de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine. The G.46-3B & G.46-4B were both powered by a 215 hp (160 kW) Alfa Romeo 115ter engine only only differed by detail equipment.

Fiat G.46A/G.46-3A/G.46-4A - These versions were a single-seat trainer powered by a 215 hp (160 kW) Alfa Romeo 115ter engine. The G.46-3A & G.46-4A were sub variants using the same engine, and differing only in detail equipment. Intended as an advanced fighter trainer.

Fiat G.46-5B - The final variant intended for use as a specialised navigation trainer, but it never went beyond the prototype stage.

Fiat G.46-4B

Type: Two Seat Primary Trainer

Accommodation/Crew: Pilot & Student sitting in tandem fully enclosed cockpits with dual controls

Design: Aeronautica D'Italia S.A. (Fiat) Design Team

Manufacturer: Aeronautica D'Italia S.A. (Fiat) based in Turin.

Powerplant: One 215 hp (160 kW) Alfa Romeo 115ter 6-cylinder inverted inline piston engine.

Performance: Maximum speed 194 mph (312 km/h); cruising speed 168 mph (270 km/h); service ceiling 19,850 ft (6050 m); rate of climb 1,280 ft (390 m) per minute.

Range: 310 miles (500 km) on internal fuel.

Weight: Empty 2,425 lbs (1100 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 3,109 lbs (1410 kg).

Dimensions: Span 34 ft 1 1/2 in (10.40 m); length 27 ft 9 3/4 in (8.48 m); height 7 ft 10 1/2 in (2.40 m); wing area 172.23 sq ft
(16.00 sq m).

Armament: None.

Variants: G.46, G.46B, G.46-1B, G.46-2B, G.46-3B, G.46-4B, G.46-A, G.46-3A, G.46-4A. G.46-5B.

Equipment/Avionics: Standard communication and navigation equipment when required by role.

History: First flight (G.46B) mid 1947.