Fiast AS.6 Engine Roars To Life

On October 22, 2023, history roared back to life in Italy with the thunderous revival of the ultra-rare Fiat AS.6 engine. Nearly 89 years after it powered the legendary Macchi Castoldi M.C.72 seaplane to a world speed record of 440.681 mph, the engine’s unmistakable roar filled the air once more.

This was the very sound that accompanied Warrant Officer Francesco Agello on his record-breaking flight of October 23, 1934.

After more than 80 years of silence, the AS.6’s return was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The power and fury of the V-24 engine, revived after a two-year restoration effort by the “Il Magnete” Association, shook the ground and stirred the souls of everyone present.

Led by Leonardo Sordi, the team dedicated over 5,500 hours to meticulously dismantling, reconstructing, and reassembling this engineering marvel.