315 th Review FIAT (S.I.A.) R.2 (Pioneros de la Aviacion Boliviana 1920 – 1924)- Roberto Carlos Subauste Perez

Mr. Subauste Perez did in depth research on the roots of Bolivian aviation. Virtually every aspect is covered by this series of books of which the story of the FIAT (S.I.A) R.2 is the third. This book covers the origin of these aircraft, their history in a general context, the Bolivian connection, a thorough technical description of their airframes and engines, and as a background the socio-political situation of contemporary Bolivia.

It also puts Bolivia in the general history of the surrounding South American countries. After the second crashed aircraft on Bolivian soil, the SPAD R.XX, the drive to develop an aviation branch for Bolivia became all the more urgent. The end of WW I and the resulting subsequent surplus of warplanes and pilots helped to boost this development. This time the Italian Company FIAT and its subsidiary Societa Italiana
Aviazione (I.S.A.) with the full support of no less than Il Duce acquired a prominent position in South America. Home base for its activities was Argentina. The FIAT, Caproni and other Italian companies were state supported from this forward base in the Americas.

The FIAT (S.I.A.) R.2 came into the picture of the Bolivian scouting party. This book gives an extensive look in to the ins and outs of this extraordinary flying machine. The prominent FIAT A 12 300 hp engine, also employed in race cars and even tanks (!), which virtually blocked forward sight was somewhat bizarre for a taildragger. A makeshift solution for this set back was to elevate the seat of the pilot! Eventually Juan Mendoza, Piloto Aviador No. 103 de Escuela de Aviacion at Villa Lugano, Argentina, became the first Bolivian pilot to fly over the Uyuni's salt flat at 3600 mtr altitude. The original plan to overfly the Andes was not quite made due to lack of funds. He gained everlasting fame in the eyes of the Bolivians!

Oruro’s airport is now called Juan Mendoza in his honour. The whole run-up to this flying event is written in an entertaining style, certainly to the appetite of aviation adepts! Again mr. Subauste Perez deserves credit for this book, and the following books, about the cradle of Bolivian aviation.