Lombardi LM.5

The Lombardi LM.5 Aviastar was a two-seat light aircraft produced in Italy[1] shortly after the Second World War, followed by a three-seat version called the LM.7.[2]

LM.5, LM.7 Aviastar
The second of the two LM.7 three-seat light tourers to be completed during 1949 hangared at Milan's Bresso Airport in 1965
Role Utility aircraft
National origin Italy
Manufacturer Lombardi
Designer Pieraldo Mortara
First flight 1945
Number built 7

LM.5 Design and construction

It was a low wing, cantilever monoplane of conventional design and mixed construction.[3] The main units of the tailwheel undercarriage were retractable, and the cabin was fully enclosed, offering side-by-side seating.[2] The Italian press of the day nicknamed it Topolino dell'Aria[4] ("Little mouse[5] of the air").

Operational history

An LM.5 (registration HB-UEM) was piloted to victory in the 1949 Tour Aerien de Suisse by Walter Spahni.[6] The same year, however, the Lombardi firm ceased business,[2] unable to sell its designs in the post-war marketplace.[4] Only five examples of the LM.5 and two of the LM.7 had been built.[2]

The LM.5 prototype (registered I-PIER, after its designer[2]) was restored by Ali Romantiche at Sandigliano.[7]

LM.7 design and construction

The two Lombardi LM.7 aircraft were completed in 1949 and had a lengthened cabin accommodating two seats in the front with a single rear seat. The starboard and rear seats may be removed for the carriage of light freight.[8] Ali Romantiche has also commenced the restoration of the LM.7 prototype (registration I-TTEN).[7]


Variants


Specifications (LM.5)

Data from "Light and Ultra-Light from Italy", 575

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental C90 , 67 kW (90 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 194 km/h (121 mph, 105 kn)
  • Service ceiling: 5,900 m (19,500 ft)

Notes
  1. Taylor 1989, 613
  2. Simpson 1995, 44
  3. "Light and Ultra-Light from Italy", 575
  4. "Lo LM5"
  5. Topolino means "little mouse", but is also the Italian name of Mickey Mouse and the nickname of a ubiquitous model of Fiat automobile at the time - see Fiat Topolino
  6. "Souvenir of Switzerland", 496 – NB this article incorrectly states that the aircraft was of Czechoslovakian manufacture, apparently confusing Lombardi's pre-war name of AVIA (Azionara Vercellese Industrie Aeronautiche) with the Czechoslovakian aircraft manufacturer Avia. The error was noted in a subsequent edition of Flight (27 October 1949, p. 570).
  7. Ali Romantiche "Home"
  8. Green, 1965, p.88

References
  • Green, William (1965). The Aircraft of the World. Macdonald & Co (Publishers) Ltd.
  • "Light and Ultra-Light from Italy". Flight: 575–76. 20 November 1947. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  • "Lo LM5" (PDF). Ali Romantiche website. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  • Simpson, R. W. (1995). Airlife's General Aviation. Shrewsbury: Airlife Publishing.
  • "Souvenir of Switzerland". Flight: 496–97. 13 October 1949. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
  • Vialardi, Emanuele. "Home". Ali Romantiche website. Archived from the original on 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
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