W.Green, G.Swanborough The Complete Book of Fighters

POMILIO GAMMA Italy

   Early in 1918, the Pomilio concern of Turin completed the prototype of a single-seat fighter designated Gamma (the third letter of the Greek alphabet). Powered by a 200 hp SPA 6A water-cooled engine, the Gamma was a single-bay, unequal-span biplane of wooden construction. Demonstrated for an official commission, the Gamma proved both fast and manoeuvrable, but was considered to possess an inadequate climb rate. The second prototype was therefore fitted with a 250 hp Isotta-Fraschini V6 engine as the Gamma IF. The official commission disagreed on the merits of the fighter and it was not until the closing weeks of World War I that a small batch of Gamma IF fighters was ordered, but these did not enter service with the Aviazione Militare. Ottorino Pomilio and his brother settled in the USA in 1918, establishing the Pomilio Brothers Corp. The following data relate to the Gamma IF.

Max speed, 140 mph (225 km/h).
Time to 9,840 ft (3 000 m), 7.5 min.
Endurance, 3.0 hrs.
Empty weight, 1,499 lb (680 kg).
Loaded weight, 2,094 lb (950 kg).
Span, 26 ft 2 1/2 in (7,99 m).
Length, 20 ft 8 in (6,30 m).
Wing area, 235.74 sqft (21,90 m2).

J.Davilla Italian Aviation in the First World War. Vol.3: Aircraft M-W (A Centennial Perspective on Great War Airplanes 75)

Pomilio Gamma

  The Gamma was the only single-seat fighter produced by Pomilio. The previous Pomilio designs carried designations up to the letter “F”, so it is likely this would have been the PG, or “Gamma”.
  The Pomilio Gamma was of wooden construct with cloth covering and biplane of conventional construction. The Gamma had a streamlined fuselage with a single bay of struts and few bracing wires. The large wing and tail plane were designed to ensure maneuverability in combat. Armament consisted of two fixed, forward firing.303 machine guns.
  The Gamma was initially fitted with a six cylinder in-line, water cooled 200-hp SPA engine and was tested in Winter 1917 by tenente Mario De Bernardi, with disappointing results. Therefore, a second version was equipped with the more powerful 250-hp Isotta Fraschini V6 in-line engine. The more powerful Isotta-Fraschini improved the Gamma’s climb rate; it could now reach 4000 m in 11 minutes.
  After thorough testing in late February 1918 De Bernardi demonstrated the Gamma to the military authorities at Mirafiori airfield. The flight tests of the aircraft continued throughout 1918, confirming its superior performance.
  Despite this, the Gamma never saw any operational use; Ansaldo’s had assumed control of Pomilio in Spring 1918 and were inclined to push their own designs, in this case the A.1 Balilla, over Pomilio’s.
  Seven Gammas were to be constructed for testing purposes, but it appears that none of the other six were ever delivered.
  The two Pomilio brothers emigrated to the USA, with the blessing of the Italian government, to create designs for the U.S, Engineering Division.


Pomilio Gamma Single Seat Fighter with One 250-hp Isotta Fraschini V6 Engine
  Wingspan 7.99 m; length 6.30 m; wing area 21.90 sq m
  Empty weight 680 kg; loaded weight 810 kg (one source says 950 kg)
  Maximum speed 225 km/h; climb to 4,000 m in 11 minutes; ceiling 5,000 m; range 3 hours
  One built out of seven ordered