The Rondone was created to satisfy the demand for a more contemporary touring aircraft from Italian private pilots and aero clubs.Stelio Frati prepared the basic design for the prototype two-seat F.4 Rondone I[1] which was built by CVV in 1951. This was followed by nine production examples produced bySAI Ambrosini in collaboration with Aeronautica Lombardi.[2]
The three-seat F.7 Rondone II first flew on 10 February 1954 and the prototype and nine production examples were built for Ambrosini by Legnami Pasotti.[2]
The Rondone is of conventional wooden construction with a plywood-covered one-piece single spar wing and amonocoque fuselage. Thetricycle undercarriage is retractable. Two-position flaps and dual controls are fitted. The Rondone II has an extended cabin with additional rear side windows.[1]
F.4 Rondone I two-seater atMilan Linate airport in 1965
The Rondone was initially mainly sold to individuals and clubs in Italy, but examples later served in France and Germany. Several were still operational in 2009.
Three-seater with a 90 hp (67 kW) Continental C90 or 135 hp (101 kW)Lycoming O-290-D2 engine.[4][5] 10 built from new plus one converted from a F.4. Some were later fitted with a 100 hp (75 kW)Continental O-200 engine.[4]
Specifications (F.7 Rondone II with Lycoming engine)
