Fiat G.55 Centauro

The Fiat G.55 Centauro (Centaur) was a single-engine single-seat World War II fighter aircraft used by the Regia Aeronautica and the A.N.R. (Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana) in 1943-1945. It was designed and built in Turin by Fiat. The Fiat G.55 was, probably the best type produced in Italy during World War II, but it did not enter production until 1943. During its short operational service, mostly under the Repubblica Sociale Italiana insignia, after the 8 September 1943, this powerful, robust and fast aircraft proved itself to be an excellent interceptor at high altitude. In 1944, over Northern Italy, the Centauro clashed with British Supermarine Spitfire, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-38 Lightning. Italian fighter pilots liked their Centauro but by the time the war ended, only less than 300 had been built.

The first G.55 prototype flew on 30 April 1942, piloted by commander Valentino Cus, immediately showing its good performance and flight characteristics. It was armed with one 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon, installed in the hub with 200 rounds, and four 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns, two in the upper engine cowling and two in the lower part, with 300 rpg, in "Sottoserie O" airframes. This layout soon proved to be troublesome, both for rearming and for the servicing of the lower cowling mounted machine guns: for this reason, the two lower machine guns were removed, and replaced with a 20 mm MG 151/20 in each wing, in the later production series, the Serie 1.




The first Centauro to see operational use was the third prototype. On 21 March 1943, the aircraft was assigned to 20° Gruppo (squadron), 51° Stormo (wing) CT, based on Roma-Ciampino, for operational evaluation. In May, the G.55 followed the unit to Capoterra, near Cagliari having its baptism of fire on 5 June 1943, against Allied aircraft attacking Sardinia. The two first pre-production series flew, respectively, on 10 April and in May 1943. In early June they were assigned to 353a Squadriglia (flight - very similar in composition to the Luftwaffe Staffel) CT based in Foligno, Umbria, were, until August, were transferred nine more aircraft.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 9.37 m (30 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 11.85 m (38 ft 10 in)
• Height: 3.13 m (10 ft 3¼ in)
• Wing area: 21.11 m² (227.23 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,630 kg (5,798 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,520 kg (7,760 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 3,718 kg (8,197 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Fiat R.A 1050 Tifone (Daimler-Benz DB 605A-1) liquid-cooled inverted V-12, 1,085 kW (1,475 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 623 km/h (337 kn, 387 mph) at 7,000 m (22,970 ft)
• Range: 1,200 km, or 1,650 km with two 100 l (26 US Gal) drop tanks under wings
• Service ceiling: 12,750 m (41,830 ft)
• Rate of climb: 5 min 50 sec at 6,000 m
• Wing loading: 154.0 kg/m² (34.15 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 0.308 kW/kg (0.190 hp/lb)
• Climb to 7,000 m (22,970 ft): 8.57 min

Armament

• 3 × 20 mm MG 151/20s, one engine-mounted
• 2 × 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns
• 2 × 160 kg (353 lb) bombs

** Fiat G.55 Centauro - Warbird Fare

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Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario

The Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario (Archer) was an Italian monoplane fighter / fighter-bomber produced for the Regia Aeronautica during the later years of World War II. Considered by many to be "the most beautiful plane of the Second World War", Along with the Macchi C.202/C.205 and Fiat G.55, the Reggiane Re.2005 was one of the three Serie 5 Italian fighters. The well balanced lines of the fuselage were aerodynamically perfect, and everything was designed to get the most out of the famous Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. The only difficulty was a certain structural weakness in the rear section of the fuselage. Only 48 examples had been delivered, before Armistice, these fighter fighting in the defence of Naples, Rome and Sicily, the survivors battling above the crumbling ruins of Berlin, with German insignia. Well-respected ace and military observer.

The Reggiane 2005 was the last of the Reggiane aircraft line to be built in World War II. The project which started in 1941 was carried out by a team led by Roberto Longhi, and included designers Alessio, Maraschini, Toniolo and Pozzi. Preliminary work was completed before the end of the year despite being a new project, and not simply a revamping of an existing aircraft design such as the Reggiane Re.2002. The DB 605 engine still had to be delivered when the airframe was ready in February 1942. The resulting machine was not only rated as one of the best Axis wartime aircraft, but also one of the best if not "the" best-looking. Its semi-elliptical wings, long nose and large tail were all distinctive features of this small, nimble fighter.




The prototype MM.494 first flew 9 May 1942, but the day after, a heavy landing led to an undercarriage failure which caused serious damage, and consequently was unable to fly again until June.


The first pilot to use the Re. 2005 for operational duty was Maggiore Vittorio Minguzzi, commander of 22o Gruppo. The unit was based at Napoli-Capodichino airfield for the defense of the city. Minguzzi received the prototype of the Re.2005 after it had flight test evaluations in Guidonia—and made the first flight with this aircraft on 7 March 1943. He and the most able pilots in the Gruppo flew this prototype until 23 March and they all had a very favourable and enthusiastic impression of this aircraft. He then took it to Napoli-Capodichino where it was incorporated into 362a Squadriglia. This unit – commanded by Capitano Germano La Ferla – was the first to be equipped with the Re.2005. Minguzzi scrambled for the first time in the “Sagittario” on 24 March, when Naples was attacked and on 2 April he claimed a four-engined B-24 Liberator bomber over the Isle of Ischia. This claim is not verified against corresponding USAAF losses. Italian "ace" Vittorio Minguzzi was impressed by this aircraft following its tests and combat debut on 2 April 1943.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 873 cm (28 ft 7.7 in)
• Wingspan: 1,100 cm (36 ft 1.1 in)
• Height: 315 cm (10 ft 4.0 in)
• Wing area: 20.4 m2 (219.6 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 2,600 kg (5,730 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,610 kg (7,960 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Fiat R.A. 1050 RC 58 Tifone, 1,475 PS (1,085 kW; 1,455 hp)

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 980 km/h (609 mph)
• Maximum speed: 628 km/h (390 mph) at 6,600 ft, 678 km/h (421 mph) at 23,000 ft
• Cruise speed: 515 km/h (320 mph)
• Stall speed: 155 km/h (96 mph)
• Range: 980 km (610 mi) on internal fuel (1,130 km (700 mi) w/ 300 L drop tank; 1,270 km (790 mi) w/ 300 L + 2 × 150 L drop tanks)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 m (37,700 ft)
• Rate of climb: 20 m/s (3,900 ft/min) (6,000 m in 6.5 min)
• Wing loading: max. 177 kg/m² (36.25 lb/sq ft)

Armament

• 2 × 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in upper cowling (350rpm)
• 1 × 20 mm MG 151 cannon firing through propeller hub (150rpm)
• 2 × 20 mm MG 151 cannon in wings (200rpm)
• 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) bomb or 1 × 300 L (79.3 US gal) drop tank
• 160 kilograms (350 lb) bombs or 2 × 150 litres (39.6 US gal) drop tanks

** Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario - Warbird Fare

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Reggiane Re.2001 Falco

The Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II was an Italian fighter aircraft, serving in the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) during World War II. A contemporary of the renowned Macchi C.202, the production of this type was to be limited to only 252, but it was a flexible design that proved to be able to undertake a number of roles. Thanks to its manoeuvrability it could dogfight with more powerful opponents like the Supermarine Spitfire. The Re.2001 became the basis of a later, more formidable fighter, the Re.2005.

The Reggiane Re.2001 was a development of the Re.2000 Falco I which had been rejected by the Regia Aeronautica primarily because of its engine. This was the main problem the Falco II set out to fix, now having a 1,175 hp Alfa Romeo inline engine (a licence-built German DB 601) rather than a 986 hp Piaggio P.IX radial engine.




The Re.2001 reached operational status late in 1941 with 2° Gruppo (part of 6° Stormo) that had returned from North Africa without aircraft in September 1941. Its three Squadriglie, 150a, 152a and 358a, were based at Gorizia and then relocated to Rome-Ciampino in December. But due to technical reasons the unit was not fully equipped and trained until February 1942. Finally, on 4 May 1942 it moved to Caltagirone in Sicily, with 18 Reggiane under command of Colonnello Bajlon. In May 1942, Re.2001s began to fly escort missions over Malta, encountering British Spitfire Mk Vs.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.36 m (27 ft 5 in)
• Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
• Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 20.4 m² (219.58 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,495 kg (5,500 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,280 kg (7,231 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC 41-la Monsone (license-built DB 601A-1), 871 kW (1,175 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 542 km/h (337 mph)
• Range: 1,100 km (684 mi)
• Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,090 ft)
• Rate of climb: 780 m/min (2,591 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 32.93 lb/ft²

Armament

• Two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in upper cowling
• Two 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in wings

** Reggiane Re.2001 Falco - Warbird Fare

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Macchi C.202 Folgore

The Macchi C.202 Folgore (Thunderbolt) was a World War II fighter aircraft built by Macchi Aeronautica and operated by the Regia Aeronautica. Macchi aircraft designed by Mario Castoldi received the "C" letter in their model designation, hence the Folgore is referred to as the MC.202. Considered one of the most beautiful fighters to fly with wartime Axis forces, the C.202 was a development of the earlier C.200 Saetta, with a more powerful German Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine and with an extremely streamlined fuselage. Undoubtedly the best wartime fighter to serve in large numbers with the Regia Aeronautica, the Folgore operated on all fronts.

The Folgore went into service with the Regia Aeronautica in July 1941 and immediately proved to be an effective and deadly dogfighter. 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". Nonetheless, the C.202 had its defects: like its predecessor, the Macchi C.200, it could fall in dangerous autorotation. It was insufficiently armed, with just two machine guns that easily jammed. The radios were unreliable, forcing the pilots to communicate by waggling wings. The oxygen system was inefficient, causing 50 to 60 per cent of the pilots to break missions off, sometimes even causing fatal accidents.

The Folgore was put into production using imported DB 601Aa engines, while Alfa Romeo set up production of the engine under license as the R.A.1000 R.C.41 Monsone (Monsoon). Due to initial delays in engine production, Macchi resorted to completing some C.202 airframes as C.200s with Fiat radial engines. Nevertheless, by late 1942, Folgores outnumbered all other fighter aircraft in the RA.




The first units selected to be equipped with the C.202 Series I are the 17° and 6° Gruppi, from 1° Stormo, based on airfield of Campoformido, near Udine, and the 9° Gruppo of 4° Stormo, based in Gorizia. Their pilots start to train on the new fighter in May–June 1941, on Lonate Pozzolo (Varese), the airfield of the Macchi. Although deployed in mid-1941, the C.202 did not see action until later that fall, because of the many defects of the first machines.

Allied pilots who flew against the Folgore were impressed with its performance and manoeuvrability. The Macchi C.202 was considered superior to both the Hawker Hurricane and the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks it fought against, at first on the Libyan front, and the equal of the Spitfire Mk V. The C.202 was able to out-turn all three although the Spitfire had a superior rate of climb. Although the C.202 could effectively fly against Hurricane, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Bell P-39 Airacobra, Curtiss P-40 and even the Spitfire at low altitudes, the aircraft's combat effectiveness was somewhat hampered by its weak armament.


General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 8.85 m (29 ft 0.5 in)
• Wingspan: 10.58 m (34 ft 8.5 in)
• Height: 3.49 m (11 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 16.82 m² (181.04 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,491 kg (5,492 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,930 kg (6,460 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Daimler-Benz DB 601 (Alfa Romeo R.A.1000 R.C.41I / R.C.44I) liquid-cooled supercharged inverted V-12, 1,175 hp (864 kW) at 2,500 rpm for takeoff

Performance

• Maximum speed: 600 km/h (324 knots, 372 mph) at 5,600 m (18,370 ft)
• Range: 765 km (413 nm, 475 mi)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 m (37,730 ft)
• Rate of climb: 18.1 m/s (3,563 ft/min)
• Wing loading: kg/m² (35.68 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: W/kg (hp/lb)

Armament

• 2 × 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in the engine cowling, 360/400 rpg
• 2 × 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in the wings, 500 rpg
• 2 × 50, 100, or 160 kg (110, 220, or 350 lb) bombs
• 2 × 100 L (26.4 US gal; 22.0 imp gal) drop tanks

** Macchi C.202 Folgore - Warbird Fare

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Macchi C.205 Veltro

The Macchi C.205 Veltro (Greyhound) was an Italian World War II fighter aircraft built by the Aeronautica Macchi. Along with the Reggiane Re.2005 and Fiat G.55, the Macchi C.205 was one of the three "Serie 5" Italian fighters built around the powerful Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. The C.205 was a development of the earlier C.202 Folgore. With a top speed of some 400 mph and equipped with a pair of 20 mm cannon as well as 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, the Macchi C.205 Veltro was highly respected by Allied and Luftwaffe pilots alike. Regarded as the best Italian aircraft of World War II , in action it proved to be extremely effective, destroying a large number of Allied bombers and capable of successfully clashing on equal terms with such renowned fighters as the North American P-51D Mustang.

although the C.205 was able to match the best Allied opponents in speed and maneuverability, it was introduced late in the conflict. Moreover, due to the poor Italian industrial capability of the time, only a small production run was delivered before the end of the war. Like the Spitfire, the Veltro was tricky and thus slow to build.




The C.205 entered production only five months after its maiden flight and began reaching front line units in February 1943. At the end of April, the 1° Stormo, based in Pantelleria, is the first unit to enter action with the C.205, on Mediterranean, escorting maritime and aerial convoys to and from Tunisia. During their first sortie, 22 C.205 clashed with very good results against more numerous formations of Curtiss P.40 and Supermarine Spitfires.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.85 m (29 ft 0 in)
• Wingspan: 10.58 m (34 ft 9 in)
• Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 16.80 m² (180.8 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,581 kg (5,690 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,408 kg (7,513 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 3,900 kg (8,600 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Fiat RA.1050 R.C.58 Tifone liquid-cooled supercharged inverted V12 engine, 1,475 hp (1,100 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 640 km/h (345 kn, 400 mph) at 7,500 m (24,600 ft)
• Range: 950 km (515 nmi, 590 mi)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 m (37,730 ft)
• Wing loading: 202.9 kg/m² (41.55 lb/ft²)

Armament

• 2 × 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 400 rpg, in the nose
• 2 × 20 mm MG 151 cannon, 250 rpg, in the wings
• 2 × 160 kg (350 lb) bombs

** Macchi C.205 Veltro - Warbird Fare

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Macchi C.200 Saetta

The Macchi C.200 Saetta (also variously identified as the MC.200) was a World War II fighter aircraft built by Aeronautica Macchi in Italy, and used in various forms throughout the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force). As with practically every Italian fighter of the period, the design was excellent and the manoeuvrability and general flying characteristics left little to be desired, but it was underpowered and underarmed for a modern fighter.

From the time Italy entered war on 10 June 1940, until her surrender on 8 September 1943, the Macchi C. 200 flew more operational sorties than any Italian aircraft. The Saetta ranged over Greece, North Africa, Yugoslavia, across the Mediterranean and Russia (where it obtained an excellent kill to loss ratio of 88 to 15). Its very strong all-metal construction and air-cooled engine made the aircraft ideal for ground attack and several units flew it as a fighter-bomber. Over 1,000 were built by the time the war ended.

In August 1939 about 30 C.200s, by then nicknamed Saetta ("Arrow"), were delivered to 10 Gruppo of 4 Stormo, stationed in North Africa. Pilots of this "'elite" unit of the Regia Aeronautica opposed the adoption of the C.200, preferring the more manouvrable Fiat CR.42. These Saettas were then transferred to 6 Gruppo of 1 Stormo in Sicily and Gruppo 152 of 54 Stormo in Vergiate. When Italy entered the war on 10 June 1940, 144 Macchis were operational, half of which serviceable. Although the first 240 aircraft had fully-enclosed cockpits, the subsequent variants were given open cockpits at the request of the Italian pilots.

The first Macchi C.200s to make their combat debut were those of the 6° Gruppo Autonomo C.T. led by Tenente Colonnello (Wing Commander) Armando Francois. This Squadron was based at the Sicilian airport of Catania Fontanarossa. A Saetta from this unit was the first C.200 to be lost in combat when on 23 June 1940 14 Macchis (eight from 88a Squadriglia, five from 79a Squadriglia and one from 81a Squadriglia) that were escorting 10 SM.79s from 11 Stormo were intercepted by two Gloster Gladiators. Gladiator N5519, piloted by Flt Lt George Burges, attacked the bombers but was in turn attacked by a C.200 flown by Sergente Maggiore Lamberto Molinelli of 71a Squadriglia over the sea off Sliema. The Macchi overshot four or five times the more agile Gladiator which eventually shot down the Saetta.

Only on 1 November were the C.200s credited with their first kill. A Sunderland on a reconnaissance mission was sighted and attacked just outside Augusta by a flight of Saettas on patrol. With the arrival towards the end of December 1940 of X Fliegerkorps in Sicily, the C.200s were assigned escort duty for I/StG.1 and II/StG.2 Ju 87 bombers attacking Malta, as the Stukas did not have adequate fighter cover until the arrival of 7./JG26's Bf 109s.

On 6 February 1941, the elite unit 4 Stormo received C.200s from 54 Stormo. With the autorotation problems solved, the Macchis were regarded as “very good machines, fast, manoeuvrable and strong” by Italian pilots. After intense training, on 1 April 1941, the 10 Gruppo (4 Stormo) moved to the Ronchi dei Legionari airport and started active service. In combat with the less manoueverable Hurricane, it proved effective, with outstanding dogfight performance and no vices.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.25 m (27 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 10.58 m (34 ft 8 in)
• Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 16.82 m² (181.00 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,964 kg (4,330 lb)
• Loaded weight: 2,200 kg (4,840 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,395 kg (5,280 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Fiat A.74 R.C.38 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 650 kW (870 hp) at 2,520 rpm for takeoff

Performance

• Maximum speed: 504 km/h (313 mph) at 4,500 m (14,765 ft)
• Range: 570 km (354 mi)
• Service ceiling: 8,900 m (29,200 ft)
• Rate of climb: 15.3 m/s (3,030 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 131.7 kg/m² (26.9 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 0.286 kW/kg (0.176 hp/lb)

Armament

• 2× 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 370 rpg
• 8× 15 kg (33 lb) or 2× 50, 100, or 150 kg (110, 220, or 330 lb) bombs

** Macchi C.200 - Warbird Fare

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Fiat G.50 Freccia

The Fiat G.50 Freccia ("Arrow") was a World War II Italian fighter aircraft. First flown in February 1937, the G.50 was Italy’s first single-seat, all-metal monoplane with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear to go into production. At the beginning of 1938 the Freccia was in service with the Regia Aeronautica. Several were sent to reinforce the Aviazione Legionaria, in Spain, where they proved to be fast and, typical of most Italian design, very manoeuvrable. On the other hand, pilots disliked the sliding cockpit canopy, which was not easy to open quickly and interfered with vision, so in later production an open cockpit was adopted.

There were 118 G.50s available when Italy entered World War II (97 in front line duty), most assigned to the 51 Stormo based in Ciampino airport, just outside Rome and in Pontedera, with 22 Gruppo of 52 Stormo. On 10 June 1940, when Italy declared war against France, 22 Gruppo G.50s went into action, followed by the 48 aircraft of 20 Gruppo.

Appreciated mainly for their strength, G.50s were used primarily for attack roles in the second half of the war. During the opening phase of the Allied invasion of Sicily, the G.50 was the most numerous aircraft used by Regia Aeronautica to counter-attack Allied landings. Just before the invasion, the Regia Aeronautica moved to Southern Italy 50 Stormo Assalto, a specialized ground attack unit, equipped with Fiat G.50bis fighter-bombers. As soon the invasion started, on July 10, 1943, further unit were rushed to the area. Forty-five Fiat G.50 bis of 158 and 159 Gruppi Assalto, from Pistoia. were committed – with other Italian and German ground attack units - to attack ships, landing craft and troops. Intercepted by an overwhelming fighter “umbrella”, the G.50 formations suffered heavy losses, among them, that of Tenente Colonnello Guido Nobili, commander of 5 Stormo Assalto.

By the time of the Italian Armistice with the Allies, only a few were left in Italian service, some were used as part of the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force, while four others were used by the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana as fighter trainers. The top scoring Italian pilot in a Fiat G.50 was Furio Lauri, who was credited with 11 "kills" before the end of 1941 with a final score of 18.


General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.25 m (27 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 10.58 m (34 ft 8 in)
• Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 16.82 m² (181.00 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,964 kg (4,330 lb)
• Loaded weight: 2,200 kg (4,840 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,395 kg (5,280 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Fiat A.74 R.C.38 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 650 kW (870 hp) at 2,520 rpm for takeoff

Performance

• Maximum speed: 504 km/h (313 mph) at 4,500 m (14,765 ft)
• Range: 570 km (354 mi)
• Service ceiling: 8,900 m (29,200 ft)
• Rate of climb: 15.3 m/s (3,030 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 131.7 kg/m² (26.9 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 0.286 kW/kg (0.176 hp/lb)

Armament

• 2× 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 370 rpg
• 8× 15 kg (33 lb) or 2× 50, 100, or 150 kg (110, 220, or 330 lb) bombs

** Fiat G.50 Freccia - Warbird Fare

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