The Fiat A.30 R.A. was an Italian water-cooled
aircraft engine from the 1920s, built in large numbers and serving with several air forces up to the beginning of
World War II. It produced 447 kW (600 hp).
Design and development
During the second half of the 1920s Fiat introduced several water-cooled aircraft engines, including the
A.20,
A.23,
A.24,
A.25 and A.30.[1] They were all upright V-12s with 60° between the
cylinder banks; capacities ranged between 18.7 L and 54.5 L (1,141-3,326 cu in) and power outputs between 320 kW and 745 kW (430-1,000 hp). Producing 447 kW (600 hp) from 24.0 L (1,464 cu in), the A.30RA was towards the low power end of these ranges. The R, (Riduttori - reduced), indicated that the output was
geared down.[1][2]
Many of the production A.30 R.A.s were fitted in Fiat's own fighters and fighter trainers, particularly in the
Fiat C.R.32.[1][3] Both this aircraft type and the
Meridionali Ro.37 remained in service with the
Regia Aeronautica when Italy joined in
World War II in 1940; by then the engine was seriously dated. Before the war similarly powered
CR.30s had been sold to the air forces of
Austria,
China and
Paraguay, the Austrian aircraft ending their service with the
Luftwaffe after the
Anschluss.[3] Ultimately 2,679 A.30 R.A. and A.30 R.A.bis engines were built.[1]
Fuel system: Twin water heated Fiat
carburetters mounted between cylinder banks, one serving each bank. Two
spark plugs per cylinder, placed horizontally and opposite each other, supplied by two Marelli MF.12
magnetos.
Oil system: One delivery pump and two
scavenge pumps, in a single unit.