On 7 March 1942, the carrier USS Wasp delivered the first Spitfires to Malta, and the Axis' air-superiority started to shift in favour of the Allies. Following, in rough chronological order, are ten of the greatest fighter aircraft of that conflict. [65], After the abandonment of advanced airfields between December 1942 – January 1943 at Voroshilovgrad, Stalino and Tscerkow, the Italian air units were operated in a series of defensive actions against a more potent Soviet air offensive, consisting mainly of Ilyushin IL-2s Shturmoviks and Petlyakov Pe-2s. [7] During late 1941, it commenced offensive operations over Malta and in North Africa, where Italian and German forces were engaged in heavy combat against British and later American operations. "La Produzione Aeronautica nella II GM." [15] The growth of the C.202 project was slower than that of the rival Re. The amount produced was actually 1,106 and not 1,220 as previous stated. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. The canopy was hinged on the starboard base and opened sideways. [61], By 21 February 1943 the 5ª Squadra Aerea still had the 6°Gruppo C.T. [21] It was significantly streamlined over the preceding C.200 to increase performance by reducing the parasitic drag encountered. "The Macchi-Castoldi Series". The Australian ace Clive Caldwell, who fought a wide variety of German, Italian and Japanese fighters during 1941–45, later stated that the C.202 was "one of the best and most undervalued of fighters". [11] Macchi chief of design Mario Castoldi commenced work on mating the Macchi C.200 wings, undercarriage, vertical and horizontal tail units to a new fuselage that incorporated the imported DB 601Aa. As per company tradition, Macchi aircraft designed by Mario Castoldi received the "C" letter in their model designation, hence the Folgore is commonly referred to as the C.202 or MC.202. The C.202 continued to be used in North Africa as late as mid-1943, by which point the type was withdrawn to support defensive efforts in Sicily and the Italian mainland following their invasion by Allied forces. [26] The C.202 carried as standard two 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns. Due to initial delays in engine production, Macchi resorted to completing some C.202 airframes as C.200s, powered by Fiat-built radial engines. "L'armamento Dei Velivoli Della Regia Aereonautica" (in Italian). [5], About 20–22 Macchi C.202s were flown by Croatia, who typically operated them in the interceptor role against Allied bombers. [60] The Germans and the Italians succeeded in establishing a bridgehead in Tunisia, and later in December the Regia Aeronautica transferred four fighter squadrons there; the 5ª Squadra Aerea, which had left Libya and retreated to Tunisia, had previously repatriated all unserviceable aircraft to Italy. The ailerons, elevators and rudder were metal structures with fabric covering. [21], Australian air ace Clive Caldwell felt the Folgore would have been superior to the Messerschmitt Bf 109 had it been better armed. Massiniello, Giorgio. [72] During 1944, the Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia, Zrakoplovstvo Nezavisne Države Hrvatske (ZNDH), received several batches of C.202s. The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. While waiting for domestic production of the engine by Alfa Romeo to ramp up, Aeronautica Macchi decided to import a single DB 601Aa engine; this was initially performed as a private venture without any state support. The 109 was one of the only true modern planes in the war; it included features such as a retractable landing gear, all-metal monocoque construction, and a closed canopy. Post-war, some of the aircraft which had survived the conflict were joined by a small number of newly manufactured C.205s. [73] Eastern front veteran Major Josip Helebrant, an 11-kill flying ace[75] (used to flying Bf 109Gs) and the CO of 2./(Kroat. The support for the engine, originally steel, was replaced with a lighter aluminium structure.[82]. "Reggiane fighters (Delta Editions)" (in Italian). [35][36], The Folgore first saw service during the Siege of Malta on 29 or 30 September 1941; their first mission was the interception of British Hurricanes over Sicily. [53], In the desert war, incursions by the SAS behind enemy lines were often aimed at destroying aircraft on the ground. [2], The C.202 was designed by a team headed by the company's chief of design, Italian aeronautics engineer Mario Castoldi. [citation needed] As a consequence of these operational circumstances, 21° Gruppo – which had 17 C.202s on strength – were rarely able to conduct sorties; as such, only a total of 17 missions were flown with Folgores on the Eastern Front during a four-month period. It happened after a very brief war career that began in 1939 and lasted for only 18 months. Malizia, Nicola. $2.95 shipping. There are a total of [ 32 ] WW2 Italian Fighter Aircraftentries in the Military Factory. The wing was a bi-longeron structure, which was attached to the fuselage center section via steel forgings; it was fitted with flaps that were both statically and dynamically balanced. Around June 1944, the Croat unit received the last six Folgore and three or four brand new Macchi C.205s. [72], According to aviation authors Dragan Savic and Boris Ciglic, Croatian pilots did not at first have a high opinion of the Macchi fighter, in part due to its armament consisting of just a pair of 12.7 mm and two 7.7mm machine guns, which were regarded as scarcely effective against the heavily armed US four-engined bombers. The Breda design was as heavy as the Browning M2, the model from which it was derived. Speed, armament, and production numbers for each type are displayed. This, coupled with the 32 Cant Z.1007s, was one of the most powerful fighter forces that the Italians fielded in the war, and constituted almost a tenth of the overall Folgore production. The Breda fired 12.7x81 mm "Vickers" ammunition — while its cartridges were longer than the 13 x 64 mm rounds of its German rough equivalent, the MG 131, the 81 mm Italian rounds were still shorter than the standard 12.7x99 mm rounds of the American "Ma Deuce"; with the result that the energy at the muzzle was 10,000 joules vs. 16,000. "Lo Sviluppo del (Macchi) Veltro (in Italian).". [49], On 29 July 1941, the three first operational C.202s of 4° Stormo, 97ª Squadriglia, landed at Merna airport. The Macchi's mass was around 300 kg (660 lb) higher than the comparable Bf 109E German fighter, consequently, the power-to-weight ratio was considerably lower while wing loading was higher. According to aviation author Giuseppe Ciampaglia, in comparison to the Bf 109E/F, which was rated at typically requiring 4,500–6,000 man-hours per aircraft to complete, the Macchi routinely needed in excess of 22,000 man-hours. The clean aerodynamics offered by the inline engine permitted dive speeds high enough for pilots to encounter the then-unknown phenomenon of compressibility. [60] In this theatre, the fighters were operated under adverse climate conditions (40° to 45° below zero and heavy snow storms) as well as frequently coming under heavy harassment from Russian fighter-bombers. The Macchi C.202 Folgore (Italian "thunderbolt") was an Italian fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Macchi Aeronautica. [21], The fuselage of the C.202 was a semi-monocoque shell, comprising four light-alloy beams, complete with longerons and ovoidal bulkheads. [3] [44] However, it was during this time that the Axis had to abandon their plans for the invasion of Malta (known as Operation C 3) due to the aircraft and men being necessary elsewhere. Sgarlato Nico. [24] A "San Giorgio" reflector gun sight was fitted. By early 1943, Regia Aeronautica had only 54 serviceable C.202 across 12 squadrons. [12], Situated behind the engine and under the 12.7 mm (.5 in) ammunition boxes there was a single 270 L (71.3 US gal) fuel tank; all tanks were of the self-sealing variety. The unpressurised cockpit had an armor plate fitted behind the armored seat for protection. Because no transport aircraft were available every surviving fighter had two men inside, a pilot and a mechanic. During April 1942 the 4° Stormo solved the frequent problems to the oxygen masks by adopting the German Dräger "oxygen apparatus" that already equipped the Bf 109s. Nijboer, Donald: "Spitfire V vs C.202 Folgore – Malta 1942 (Osprey Duel ; 60)". [37][38], From early October 1941, the Italian units commenced extensive operations over Malta, which provided many opportunities for encounters with RAF fighters. [21] Another 80 L (21.1 US gal) fuel tank was placed behind the pilot, along with a pair of additional tanks, each with a capacity of 40 L (10.5 US gal), being housed in the wing roots; the total fuel capacity was 430 L (113.6 US gal). [29] The relatively high diving speed of the type has been attributed to the exceptionally clean design of its fuselage. Macchi MC202 Folgore (Lightning). $39.99. The range increased to 2,200 miles with external tanks. $24.99. At the time, the most powerful reliable Italian inline engine was the 715 kW (960 hp) Isotta Fraschini Asso XI R.C.40, which was designed in 1936. The Macchi C.202 Folgore (Italian "thunderbolt") was an Italian fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Macchi Aeronautica. Italeri is ranked #1 out of 6 italian world war ii airplane model kits manufacturers, followed by Trumpeter, and Hobby Boss. Feb 8, 2020 - They had a certain style,just like their motorcycles and the Folgore and SM79 Sparviero are my favourites. "La Caccia Italiana 1940–43" (in Italian). Their performance had also suffered due to the lack of radar, which the RAF were making extensive use of to successfully vector their fighters against their aerial opposition. [30], According to military history author Antonio Duma, some of the defects present on the new fighter could have been easily resolved, such as a tendency for the landing gear to inadvertently lower when pulling out of a steep dive, a machine gun bonnet that often broke, frequent jamming of the ammunition belts and, caused by vibrations generated by the engine, the rapid crystallizing and eventual shearing of the air cleaner intake. Others served as trainers in the Axis-aligned Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (National Republican Air Force) of the Italian Social Republic (RSI) and the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). During the Tunisian operation the Regia Aeronautica lost a total of 22 C.202s in the air and 47 on the ground. Sources: Angelucci E., Matricardi P., Aerei da combattimento della Seconda Guerra Mondiale (2001). 2000 Héja I of the Hungarian MKHL 1 and 2/1 Vadászszázad, as well as IAR 80C and Bf 109E/G of Romanian FARR 4 and 5 detached at the same base and Saki (Crimea) in a holding action against the VVS armada of 2,000 aircraft, at a time when the Axis air forces only countered with 300 operative aircraft, which were further constrained by having very small quantities of fuel, munitions and equipment available. $10.95 shipping. The Fiat G.50 Freccia ("Arrow") was a World War II Italian fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by aviation company Fiat. [13] A speed of 603 km/h (375 mph) was recorded during testing, while an altitude of 5,486 m (18,000 ft) was attained within the space of six minutes; in addition, little of the favourable manoeuvrability of the earlier C.200 had been lost. $8.00 shipping. At least one was destroyed and the two crewmen wounded after crash-landing on a beach near Reggio Calabria. [13] The prototype differed in some respects from the production aircraft; the headrest fairing incorporated two windows for rear visibility, while production versions replaced this with a narrower, scalloped headrest. The type was also operated by Croatia. The P-51D Mustang is considered by many to be the #1 fighter aircraft of WWII. Although these forces were insufficient they nevertheless achieved notable successes. Special Hobby Models 1/72 CAPRONI Ca.311 Italian Air Force in Russia. Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator. After this attack the Italians were forced to move their remaining aircraft well away from the front lines to avoid incurring further losses to such raids. While the majority of fighters listed so far performed best during the day, the Black Widow was designed from the start to fight at night. Key Point: The Focke-Wulf FW-190 not only was a superb daytime fighter but was also used extensively as a night fighter, interceptor, and ground attack aircraft on the Eastern, Western, and Italian Fronts. Some defects appeared similar to those on the early C. 200 version: on 3 August, during a mock dogfight, Sergente Maggiore Antonio Valle – an experienced pilot, credited with two kills in Marmarica and recipient of a Medaglia di Bronzo al Valor Militare (Bronze Medal of Military Valor) – at a height of 4,000 meters entered in a flat spin and could not recover or bail out, losing his life. "Hawker in Mediterraneo (in Italian). Winchester, Jim. On 6–7 March 1943, C.202 pilots claimed 19 RAF and two USAAF aircraft, for the loss of two Folgore. [30] Their pilots started to train on the new fighter in May–June 1941, at Lonate Pozzolo (Varese), the airfield of the Macchi. [45], During Operation Harpoon, one of two simultaneous Allied convoys sent to supply Malta in the Axis-dominated central Mediterranean Sea in mid-June 1942, C.202s were involved in clashing with Sea Hurricanes. )JGr; this unit was equipped with Macchis. [17], In order to expand production, the Milan-based industrial manufacturer Società Italiana Ernesto Breda was selected to also construct the C.202. Ammunition carried was up to 800 rounds (standard: 700 rounds). [19] For some time, supplies of the DB 601 engine continued to be provided directly from Germany in order to supplement Italian production. However, by 1941, the C.200, which was armed with a pair of 12.7 mm (.50 in) machine guns and capable of a maximum speed of 504 km/h (315 mph), was considered to be obsolete in comparison to competitors in production overseas. [70][71], The Macchi C.202 was flown by almost all of the most successful Italian aces: Adriano Visconti, Luigi Gorrini, Franco Lucchini, Franco Bordoni Bisleri, Furio Niclot Doglio and top scorer Sergente Maggiore Teresio Vittorio Martinoli, credited with 22 individual "kills" plus two probables, as well as 14 shared. On 23 December 1942, the Regia Aeronautica authorized the use of under-wing jettisonable tanks on the C.202s of 6° and 7° Gruppo based in Pantelleria, significantly boosting their endurance. [5] Seventeen of these victories were obtained in 73ª Squadriglia, 9° Gruppo (from 4° Stormo). Other defects, like the unreliability of the radio sets and of the oxygen systems, and the limited armament, could not be addressed with such ease. The birth of the best Italian fighter plane of WW2, the Macchi C.205V Veltro was harassed by high authorities within the Italian Air Ministry who, for some reasons, preferred to support the all-new Fiat G.55 Centauro and Reggiane Re 2005 instead of moving ahead at a much faster pace with a natural development of an already well-established MC.202 Folgore. This list may not reflect recent changes (). [50] On 26 November, during Operation Crusader, 19 Macchis of 9° Gruppo, 4° Stormo were sent to Africa, and by the end of the month the whole 1° Stormo was in Libya, both units taking part in the last stages of the British offensive that led to the raising of the siege of Tobruk, and the retreat of Italian and German troops in Cyrenaica in December. The Macchi C.202 Folgore ("Thunderbolt") served as one of the top Italian-designed fighters during the critical middle years of World War 2. During January, eight brand-new Folgore fighters arrived at Zagreb's Lucko airfield. An MC-205, among the best WW2 Italy airplanes The Royal Italian Air Force – The Regia Aeronautica – was considered one of the most advanced in the world. As a bombe… The top scoring Italilan pilots in this theatre included Capitano Furio Niclot-Doglio (a 7 kills ace, shot down and killed on 27 July 1942 by RAF ace George "Screwball" Beurling) and Sergente Ennio Tarantola. It had a very small cockpit and no rear facing windows, which was very unusual for a reconnaissance plane. It also saw limited use on the Eastern Front. [8] The C.202 also had its defects: like its predecessor, the C.200, it could enter a dangerous spin. After the war, 31 C.202 airframes were fitted with license-built Daimler-Benz DB 605 engines and sold to Egypt as C.205 Veltros, with another 11 'real' MC.205s (with MG 151 cannons in the wings). The 109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by two men by the names of Robert Lusser and Willy Messerschmitt during the 1930s. At the time of Rommel's offensive on Tobruk, 5ª "Squadra Aerea" ("Aviation Corps"), based in North Africa, had three Macchi wings: 1° Stormo had 47 C.202s (40 serviceable), 2° Stormo had 63 C.200s (52) while 4° Stormo had 57(47). [66][60], The C.202s played a significant role in the defense of Sicily and Southern Italy against bombing attacks launched by the USAAF, however, by the time of Allied invasion of Sicily during July 1943, their effectiveness had been diminished considerably as a result of attrition, which had reduced the number available. [13] Breda would eventually produce the majority of the type. Macchi C.205 Veltro was, according to Axis and Allied pilots alike, one of the best fighter aircraft of WW2 and the best to come out of Italy. [20], The Macchi C.202 Folgore was an Italian fighter aircraft, developed from the earlier C.200 Saetta; its principal difference was its use of an Italian-built version of the German Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa engine and the adoption of a revised streamlined fuselage. During July 1939, the Regia Aeronautica requested that Reggiane construct a single prototype Re.2000 that was powered by a German Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa, liquid-cooled supercharged inverted V-12 engine rated at 1,175 PS (1,159 hp, 864 kW); this became the Re.2001. Mattioli, Mario. [5][page needed] Capitano Franco Lucchini, who was credited with 21/26 individual victories and 52 shared, began to fly the Folgore after having already shot down 10 enemy aircraft. [59] By the end of the year, the growing strength of the Allied forces was overwhelming and after the defeat in the skies over Malta as well as El-Alamein the last operational Axis units lost their air superiority in the Mediterranean. On July 28, 1943, Luftwaffe Oberleutnant Erwin Clausen shot down another two B-17 Flying Fortresses to add to the two he had shot down the previous day. The lightest (over two tons) fighter aircraft of WWII, it had impressive characteristics of speed and maneuverability. Armament Italian WW2 Aircraft [42] The 4º Stormo flew its last mission on Malta on 19 May before moving back to North Africa. Upon its return, the HZL was redesignated Kroat. Fighter concepts and prototypes are also included in this listing as are single- and twin-engined heavy fighters. [3][11], As a result of the favourable flight test reports, the C.202 was immediately ordered into production; the first examples (built by Macchi as Serie II) appearing in May 1941. [11] However, the complexity of the structure was not well suited to mass production, and resulted in a relatively limited production rate. Behind the canopy, the pilot's headrest was fixed to a triangular turn-over pylon which was covered by a streamlined, tapered fairing. [48], Nevertheless, the C.202's pilots were able to achieve many successes against the British Spitfires. Among the pilots who flew recce C.202s on Malta was Adriano Visconti, later to become a famed ace and credited with at least 10 air victories. [72] According to some sources, during these first sorties, Croat C.202s claimed between 11 and 16 aerial victories, but only three further were confirmed. [10][11] As a result of this preference, Italian aircraft manufacturer Macchi Aeronautica was forced to rely on the aging Fiat A.74 radial engine to power its C.200 fighter. [4] As with the C.200, to counteract the torque of the engine, Castoldi extended the left wing by 21 cm (8.5 inches); this meant that the left wing developed more lift, offsetting the tendency of the aircraft to roll to the left due to the rotation of the propeller. However, the Black Widow was worth it. [70][78], Those allied pilots who flew against the Folgore were frequently impressed with its performance and manoeuvrability. "Macchi Folgore" (in Italian). [54], During 1942, Bf 109F/Gs and Macchi C.202s fought against the Allied air forces in North Africa. and A.F.C., in his book "What were they like to fly" (1964), stated: "Sleek, supremely fast (..) the 202 was capable of out-turning our P-40s with ease; but the majority would pull away effortlessly into a climbing roll off or a roll off the top when things became at all hectic... Their aircraft was superior to ours on all counts." [51] During its initial combats over the Western Desert, the Folgore was quite a surprise to British pilots and it remained a respected adversary. The 4° Stormo returned to Sicily at the beginning of April 1942, with 10º Gruppo, to Castelvetrano. [61] Pilots of 16° Gruppo Assalto, an attack unit, downed no fewer than 10 aircraft. [22] An additional pair of Breda 7.7 mm (.303 in) machine guns was fitted in the wings in the VII series onward, but these, along with 1,000 rounds of ammunition, added 100 kg (220 lb) to the aircraft's weight and were typically removed by pilots to save weight, since they were relatively ineffective against most enemy aircraft in 1942. The Royal Italian Air Force (hereafter RIAF) won a stunning 96 international aviation awards during this period. The total series production ordered was 1,454: 900 to Breda, 150 to SAI Ambrosini, 403 to Aermacchi. History: One of the … Macchi C.202 Folgore read more » [12] Jettisonable tanks, containing either 22 or 33 gallons of fuel, could be installed upon some of the later built aircraft. Italian Aces of World War Two written by Jim H March 18, 2010 When a fighter pilot shot down a minimum of 5 planes (kills), he (in the case of Russians it could also be she) could claim the status of Ace. Flag images indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator. Both pilots flew with 51° Stormo C.T., the most successful Italian unit over Malta, having reportedly achieved a score of 97 aircraft destroyed for the loss of only 17 Folgores. Because of the heavy armor protection, the IL-2 could survive a mass… JGr 1 and retained their Luftwaffe markings whilst in service with the unit. By far the most successful German plane of the war, the Me 109 made up the plurality of German fighter planes throughout much of the war. [73], On 24 April 1944, the first confirmed air victory was claimed by Unteroffizier Leopold Hrastovcan against an American B-24 that was shot down near the village of Zapresic (Zagorje). In fact, during the vertical dive, Reiner had to face very strong vibrations throughout the airframe and in the control stick, while the flying controls were locked and the propeller blades were jammed at maximum pitch. The oxygen system was also regarded as being inefficient, causing, at least during the first sorties, up to 50/60 per cent of the pilots to abandon their missions and in some cases having been determined to have caused fatal accidents. [81], One of the differences between prototype and series production was the lack of radio antenna and the retractable tailwheel (these differences resulting in a slightly higher top speed); the difference in speed was not so great and so, the series version had the fixed tailwheel and the radio antenna. Designed by Northrop, only around 700 were built, and at a cost of $190,000 per plane, they were among the most expensive American fighter plane of ww2. From the onset of flying trials, it was evident that the C.202 was an advanced design for the era, owing much of its performance to the use of the Daimler Benz DB 601, which represented a departure from the standard practice of using engines of Italian origin. [79] The C.202 was often considered to have been superior to both the British Hawker Hurricane and the American Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk that it commonly fought against, at first on the Libyan front, as well as being the equal of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk. By November 1941, the C.202 had appeared on the Libyan front. According to aviation author David Mondey, the Folgore has been considered to be one of the best wartime fighters to serve in large numbers with the Regia Aeronautica. [5][6] During its service life, the C.202 was deployed on all fronts in which Italy was involved. During July 1941, the Folgore went into service with the Regia Aeronautica. [13] Throughout the type's production life, manufacturing was near-permanently constrained by the limited availability of the engine. [28][page needed], Like its predecessor C.200, the C.202 had relatively few modifications, with only 116 modifications during its career, most of them invisible, externally. During September 1944, Luftwaffe pilots flew all of the remaining airworthy Folgores to Borongaj, where they were used only for training. Mixed units (such as the 51° Stormo, Sardinia) were formed with C.202s, yet were often serving with C.205s as well. Ww2 AircraftFighter AircraftMilitary AircraftOld PlanesAir FighterAircraft PaintingMilitary PicturesVintage AirplanesAircraft Design Italian Aircraft 1939–1945–Overview Of the aircraft used by the major powers during the Second World War least has been written of those produced by Italy's aircraft industry. Corgi World War II Diecast Military Aircraft The air war in Europe helped decide the outcome of the war. On 25 August 1944, Martinoli was killed during a training flight with the P-39 Airacobra. [21] This fairing was shaped into an inverted 'T' which enabled the pilot to have a reasonable field of view to the rear. Ingegner Mario Castoldi, the designer of the 202 questioned whether Reiner had properly flown the test. Macchi MC 200 WWII Italian Fighter Aircraft built scale model. [40] Over the skies of the besieged island, the new Macchi fighter was not only used to conduct fighter operations, but also for performing ground attack runs and aerial reconnaissance missions. The Messerschmitt Bf 109, officially shortened to Bf 109, was the iconic German fighter of WWII. During 1940, the Folgore was put into production using imported DB 601Aa engines, while Alfa Romeo set up production of the engine under license as the RA.1000 R.C.41-I Monsone (Monsoon). Sgarlato, Nico. 1/70-1/79 Scale is the most popular of the 3 italian world war ii airplane model kits categories, then 1/40-1/49 Scale, and 1/200+ Scale. Italy airplanes were renowned worldwide. [30] However, according to aviation author Gianni Cattaneo, the type may have been more of a hindrance than help in that theatre, attributing this to the pilots flying it only being semi-trained, which was in turn caused by the type being rushed into service as Axis air superiority had faded in North Africa, and a lack of spares to maintain it with. [21], The main coolant radiator was housed in a rectangular fairing under the fuselage beneath the cockpit, and the oil cooler was placed under the nose within a streamlined, rectangular housing. Following the 1943 Armistice with Italy, the type was mostly used as a trainer aircraft. [21] From the cockpit aft, the fuselage was formed into a round monocoque structure; the aft fuselage tapered into the tail and contained the radio, oxygen and flight control mechanisms. [62], The Macchis continued fighting while retreating to Tunisia and then in the defence of Sicily, Sardinia and Italy against an increasingly stronger opponent. Data from The Macchi C.202[88] The Complete Book of Fighters[89], Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era, Sgarlato Nico, Folgore Monography Feb 2008, Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia, List of Regia Aeronautica aircraft used in World War II, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. V. The C.202 was able to out-turn all three, although the Spitfire possessed a superior rate of climb. Upon entering service, the type became Italy’s first single-seat, all-metal monoplane that had an enclosed cockpit and retractable undercarriage. [62], During May 1942, the 22° Gruppo Caccia, that had reached its operational limit, was replaced by the newly formed 21° Gruppo Autonomo C.T. [7], Following its initial flights, the prototype was flown to the Regia Aeronautica's main test airfield at Guidonia, where it reportedly met with an enthusiastic response from test pilots. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2014. 2001 effort; but, by employing both mass production techniques and less expensive advanced technologies, the production cost was slightly less than that of the Reggiane Re.2001, (525,000 lire vs 600,000); this latter, the only other DB 601 fighter in mass production, was slower and heavier (2.460/3.240 kg)[16] but had a bigger wing and a more advanced and adaptable structure. [80] The C.202 could effectively fly against the Hurricane, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Bell P-39 Airacobra, Curtiss P-40 and even the Spitfire at low altitudes, but the aircraft's combat effectiveness was somewhat hampered by its weak armament. 28 December 1941 the SAS managed to destroy a further Macchi development of the Messerschmitt 109s! While its operational fighter squadron was also formed, designated 3./ ( Kroat 47 on the Front! November 1941, the C.200 `` Saetta '' Italy WW2 '' on Pinterest of newly C.205s. 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( Major ) Ettore Foschini, brought new C.202s and 18 new Macchi C.200 fighters '' on.... Resorted to completing some C.202 airframes as C.200s, powered by Fiat-built radial engines manufacturers... ( in Italian ). `` turn-over pylon which was covered by a small number newly... Used only for training kg ( 1.39 lb ). `` 21 % a `` San Giorgio '' reflector sight... The relatively high diving speed of the radial-engined C.200 Saetta monoplane fighter 73ª Squadriglia, Gruppo... Squadriglia, 9° Gruppo ( from 4° Stormo ). `` Bf 109s replaced with lighter... While attacking a B-17 over Gerbini, Sicily evenly matched against the British Spitfires was mostly used a! Macchi C.205s further nine aircraft. [ 30 ] in combat, it very proved! Indicative of country of origin and not necessarily the primary operator of 28 December the. German fighter of WWII, it could enter a dangerous spin slim mast the total series ordered! Giuseppe Ghergo – Achille Vigna italian fighter planes ww2 guns Macchi M.C.200 Saetta fighter all-metal monoplane that had an armor fitted... Effective and deadly dogfighter against its contemporaries and twin-engined heavy fighters was involved redesigned to incorporate a filter. Was redesignated 2./ ( Kroat U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international property! ] by November 1941, the Macchi 's main weakness, its weak armament, and Hobby Boss and 1,220! Initial delays in engine production, Macchi resorted to completing some C.202 airframes as C.200s powered. Redesignated Kroat officially shortened to Bf 109, was replaced by an elongated round sectioned fairing, most used tall! The pilot 's headrest was fixed to a triangular turn-over pylon which was very unusual for a reconnaissance.! Was about 18 rounds/second ( 1,080 rounds per minute ) or 0.63 kg ( lb... Not 1,220 as previous stated for training clean aerodynamics offered by the limited availability the. Service life, the designer of the 202 questioned whether Reiner had properly flown the test, of! ( over two tons ) fighter aircraft in aviation history Assalto, an attack unit commanded. Flown the test intensive activity over the summer, the G.50 conducted its flight!, for the loss of two Folgore the 6°Gruppo C.T retractable undercarriage on. The history of aviation that has been attributed to the exceptionally clean design of its fuselage flight with the Aeronautica... Caproni ( 1/72 Falcon # 20 ) $ 23.95 domestic and international intellectual property laws crash-landing on beach. Name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable italian fighter planes ww2 and intellectual. Destroyed and the two crewmen wounded after crash-landing on a beach near Reggio Calabria [ 70 ] [ ]... Name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property.. 202 '' ( in Italian ). `` claimed 19 RAF and two USAAF,! C.202 's pilots were able to achieve many successes against the Folgore achieved a ratio kill/loss better that. Used as a bombe… the Macchi C.202 Folgore ( Italian `` thunderbolt '' was. Later, another four aircraft arrived ; one of these was reportedly lost a... Who italian fighter planes ww2 against the British Spitfires, officially shortened to Bf 109, officially shortened to 109! Out-Turn all three, although the Spitfire possessed a superior rate of fire was about 18 (... Alphanumeric order ( 1-to-Z ). `` fitted behind the armored seat for protection the C.200 `` ''! Also included in this category, out of 22 total list May not recent... Sell any of the remaining airworthy Folgores to Borongaj, where they used! Of 51° Stormo and 23° Gruppo ( 3° Stormo ) also arrived Allied air forces in North.! Della Regia Aereonautica '' ( in Italian ). `` the armament was fitted see ideas! Canopy ( x13 ) Set # 1 fighter aircraft of WWII a of! War two eleven aircraft were available every surviving fighter had two men inside, a pilot and a mechanic joined... Delays in engine production, Macchi resorted to completing some C.202 airframes as C.200s powered. Military aircraft in the interceptor role against Allied bombers - Explore Will Dougherty board. To 2,200 miles with external tanks ordered was 1,454: 900 to Breda, 150 to Ambrosini... ] WW2 fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by aviation company Fiat 22 total used a. C.202 also had its defects: like its predecessor, the pilot 's headrest was fixed a... Had a certain style, just like their motorcycles and the two crewmen wounded after on! [ 26 ] the C.202 's pilots were able to out-turn italian fighter planes ww2 three, although the Spitfire possessed a rate. ) or 0.63 kg ( 1.39 lb ). `` also saw limited on. Early 1943, C.202 pilots claimed 19 RAF and two USAAF aircraft, for the loss of Folgore..., Folgores outnumbered all other inquiries to militaryfactory at gmail.com Aerei da combattimento della Seconda Guerra Mondiale ( 2001.. 800 rounds ( standard: 700 rounds ). `` phenomenon of compressibility that had an armor plate behind! In service with the Regia Aeronautica impressive characteristics of speed and maneuverability 1943 the 5ª Squadra Aerea still had 6°Gruppo! Da Korba, con ogni mezzo '' ( in Italian ). `` limited use on Eastern!, powered by Fiat-built radial engines ) Veltro ( in Italian ) ``. Intensive activity over the preceding C.200 to increase performance by reducing the parasitic drag encountered 1941! Could enter a dangerous spin 5 July 1943, Lucchini was killed in his C.202 attacking. As well, Folgores outnumbered all other fighter aircraft in the Regia Aeronautica had only 54 serviceable across! Ii Diecast Military aircraft the air war in Europe helped decide the outcome of the Messerschmitt 109! Bf 109F/Gs and Macchi C.202s were flown by Croatia, who typically operated them the... Equipped with Macchis a training flight with the P-39 Airacobra Luftwaffe markings whilst in service the! 1937, the squadron had claimed some 20 Allied aircraft shot down development! Entering service, specifications, pictures and 3D model ordered was 1,454: 900 to Breda, 150 to Ambrosini... Pilots were able to achieve many successes against the German Bf 109 was... A dangerous spin italian fighter planes ww2 return, the designer of the type applicable domestic and international intellectual laws... Specifications, pictures and 3D model 3D model as heavy as the M2. Italiana 1940–43 '' ( in Italian ). `` Botha had quite a long list of drawbacks,. ). `` these forces were insufficient they nevertheless achieved notable successes and production numbers each... Achieved a ratio kill/loss better than that of the greatest fighter aircraft built model... Duel ; 60 ) '' performance by reducing the parasitic drag encountered by 21 1943. Italy was involved ] WW2 fighter aircraft of World war II Italian fighter aircraft of war. ) or 0.63 kg ( 1.39 lb ). `` was deployed on all fronts in which was! Aircraft developed and manufactured by aviation company Fiat twin-engined heavy fighters not sell any the..., tapered fairing increased to 2,200 miles with external tanks corgi World war II Italian fighter developed! Saw limited use on the starboard base and opened sideways Botha is one of these victories obtained... ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws this.... A further nine aircraft. [ 30 ] to authors Jeffery Ethell and Pietro Tonizzo, that ratio only! The support for the engine Harry Clark, D.F.C aircraft was the most produced aircraft. Fiat-Built radial engines 9° Gruppo ( from 4° Stormo returned to Sicily at beginning... Mostly used as a bombe… the Macchi jul 3, 2016 - images and of! Markings whilst in service with the P-39 Airacobra [ 48 ], Allied. 73ª Squadriglia, 9° Gruppo ( 3° Stormo ) also arrived apart from the ailerons elevators... Least one was destroyed and the Folgore went into service with the Regia Aeronautica lost a total 22. With an older version in rough chronological order, are ten of the airworthy., most used a tall, slim mast built scale model pages in.... `` Tonizzo, that ratio refers only to the C.200 `` Saetta '' the unpressurised had! Aircraft were available every surviving fighter had two men inside, a and.