Macchi 202/205V
The Macchi M.C.202 Folgore (Thunderbolt) was among the most beautiful fighters to fly with wartime Axis forces, reflecting the aerodynamic flair of designer Mario Castoldi - the genius behind most Macchi warplanes. Building upon the M.C.200 Saetta (Lightning) but offering cleaner lines and more power, the M.C.202 was rushed into production and fought from 1941 onwards. To many, this was the best Italian fighter of the war.
Following Italy's military campaigns in East Africa, the Regia Aeronautica re-equipped with the Saetta (recognised by its radial engine) and later the M.C.202 Folgore and M.C.205V Veltro (Greyhound). Of the trio, the Folgore was the most pleasing to the eye. It introduced a new fuselage and improved engine but retained the tail unit, landing gear and similar wings to the Saetta.
Manufactured by Macchi, Breda and SAI-Ambrosini alongside the Saetta, the graceful Folgore was propelled by a German Daimler-Benz DB 601A-1 engine until a licence built Alfa Romeo version became available. It had a dramatically better performance than its Saetta ancestor, but Italy was under bombardment and its aero industry could not produce enough engines.
MC.202 Folgores began fighting in Libya in November 1941 and on the Eastern Front in September 1942. Italian pilots regarded the Folgore as an excellent combat aircraft and many fought superbly in it. It could easily outfly Hurricanes and P-40s in the desert and was a match for the famous Spitfire.
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| The M.C.205 Veltro was the ultimate Macchi fighter. With great agility, adequate speed and in its final version at least, a powerful cannon armament, the Castoldi design team had produced a fighter to match the best produced in Britain, Germany or America. |
Italian fighters were, like the early Soviet MiG fighters, reliant on light weight and clean lines. Fitted with neat inline engines for their speed, they emphasised agility at the expense of armament. |
Before the war, Macchi produced some of the world's fastest record breakers and that experience was put to good use in the company's fine series of wartime fighters. |
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Macchi 202/205V (Technical Specification) |
| Role |
Single-seat fighter/fighter-bomber |
| Manufacturer |
Macchi |
| Maximum Speed |
596 kmh (370 mph) |
| Maximum Range |
765 km (272 mph) |
| Ceiling |
11,500 meters (37,700 feet) |
Weight
Empty
Loaded weight |
2,350 kg (5,170 lbs)
3,010 kg (6,620 lbs) |
Dimensions
Wingspan
Length
Height
Wing Area |
10.58 meters (34 ft 8 in)
8.85 meters (63 ft 9 in)
3.04 meters (10 ft)
16.80 square meters (181 sq ft) |
| Engines |
One Alfa Romeo RA.1000 RC 41-l Monsone inverted V-12 piston engine which provides 876-kW (1,175 hp) |
| Armament |
Two 12.7 mm (0.50 cal) machine guns in engine cowling |
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