Finite groups admitting fixed-point free automorphisms of order pqr (Q4657724)

Let \(G\) be a finite solvable group and let \(A\) be a group of automorphisms of \(G\), and assume that \(C_G(A)=1\). If the orders of \(A\) and \(G\) are relatively prime, a theorem of the reviewer [\textit{A. Turull}, J. Reine Angew. Math. 371, 67-91 (1986; Zbl 0587.20017)] tells us that, with some possible exceptions, the Fitting height of \(G\) is bounded above by the length of the longest chain of subgroups of \(A\). It is conjectured that a similar bound holds even if the orders of \(A\) and \(G\) are not relatively prime provided that \(A\) is nilpotent. This conjecture is know when \(A\) is cyclic of order a product of \(2\) distinct primes [see \textit{K.-N. Cheng}, Proc. Edinb. Math. Soc., II. Ser. 30, 51-56 (1987; Zbl 0588.20020)]. In the present paper, the authors prove that if \(A\) is cyclic of order a product of \(3\) distinct primes, then the Fitting height of \(G\) is at most \(3\).