The Macchi C.202 was probably the most successful Italian fighter during the Second World War. It is generally agreed that the performance of the Macchi was superior to both the Hawker Hurricane and the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk and on a par with the Supermarine Spitfire Mk. V. It is not by chance that virtually all the Italian top scoring aces flew this plane either with the Regia Aeronautica or the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana. At the same time, the Mc.202 is the symbol of the dysfunctions in the Italian military-industrial complex: the lack of sound industrial planning resulting in orders from the Regia Aeronautica for an exaggerated number of different aircraft; the lack of the development of adequate engines limiting aircraft performance and reducing capacity to house weapons with a proper punch; the corruption of politics and the culpable connivance of the high military spheres. The Mc.202 was therefore produced in limited numbers, while there is consensus that air war, especially in the African theatre, would have been different had the aircraft been adopted before.

Third edition, revised and extended. The development of the most famous Italian WWII fighter is described and illustrated. Combining the agility and excellent flying characteristics of the earlier MC.200 with a powerful German aero-engine, the Folgore was the best Italian fighter in large-scale service. It served with the Regia Aeronautica and other forces, including the Croatian air arm. This book describes the design, development and operations of this elegant and effective fighter. This expanded 3rd edition contains: scale plans, photos and drawings from Technical Manuals, superb colour illustrations of camouflage and markings, and rare b&w archive photographs. Colour photos of the preserved aircraft illustrate all aspects of the airframe.Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodellers.

Timed to coincide with the one hundredth anniversary of the Schneider Trophy, this book is a history of over one hundred different aircraft that contested the trophy between 1913 and 1931. The book includes amazing drawings and photographs of the aircraft that have never been seen before.

"This craft's design, which controlled short takeoffs and landings, instantly attracted the interest of the U.S. military. Here is a comprehensive developmental history of one of the most remarkable planes in the annals of aviation"--Provided by publisher.

Military historians have often regarded the roll of the Italian military as somewhat "bi-polar." During the First World War, Italy sided with the Allies including Britain, France, Russia and the U.S. against Germany and the Central Powers. During the Second World War it signed on as a member of the Tri-Partite powers joining Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The legacy of the latter often presents a less than positive appraisal of the Italian soldier's performance... one espoused both by its enemies and allies. However a positive consensus appears when focusing on the Bersaglieri... translating as "sharp shooter"... and acting as shock troops often leading both assaults and defences. As "The Tip of the Spear" they would thus pay the price during the Italian Wars of Unification, the early colonial forays into Africa, WWI, the Ethiopian War and lastly WWII with much Bersaglieri blood soaked up by European soil as well as the burning sands of Africa and frozen in the vastness of Russia. Over 300 images including rare unpublished photographs chronicle Italy's elite "Plumed Warriors."

This new highly illustrated and comprehensive book covers the history of the Italian Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) from 1940 to 1943—an area of aviation history of increasing interest to historians, enthusiasts, and modelers. The book covers the aircraft, camouflage, and markings of the various aviation arms of the Italian Regia Aeronautica. Its machines were invariably colorfully camouflaged for tropical and over-water use and richly emblazoned with individual, tactical, and unit markings, making for popular modeling subjects. They flew in several operational theatres between 1940 and 1943 including France, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Russia, and Greece, and produced a number of flying aces such as Teresio Martinoli, Franco Lucchini, Leonardo Ferrulli, and Franco Bordoni-Bisleri. All aircraft are covered—day fighters, bombers, dive-bombers and ground-attack units, and maritime and transport aircraft. This is an ideal volume of reference for aviation modelers, particularly those with a specific interest in Italian aviation.

The Macchi C.200 Saetta (also variously identified as the MC.200) was a WWII fighter aircraft built by Aeronautica Macchi in Italy, and used in various forms throughout the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force). The C.200 had excellent maneuverability and the general flying characteristics left little to be desired. The design, development and operations of these aircraft is told in detail, illustrated with many previously unpublished photos. Color schemes and markings are described and illustrated. Scale plans in 1/72nd and 1/48th. The author is a renowned aviation historian, with many books in both French and English to his name.

Comprehensive technical details of the Macchi, C.205 VeltroProduction and service photos. A wide range of color profiles. Rare color photographs from W.W.II.Detailed photographs featuring modern highly accurate restorations, inside and out, and including under rebuild and servicing details.Profusely illustrated with photos, including a comprehensive walk-around section showing all aspects of the airframe, and diagrams from official manuals.This book provides all the core technical details of the Macchi, C.205 Veltro in one compact, economical volume.Essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodellers.Scale plans of all versions. color profiles.

With Allied bombing raids increasing in 1942, Italy's High Command launched a competition for Serie 5 (5th series) fighters. Fitted with a German DB.605 engine, the sleek Macchi C.205s proved to be able to blast Spitfires out of the sky after they were introduced in November 1942. The addition of a wing-mounted 20mm in the spring of 1943 enabled the C.205 to take on US heavy bombers as well. Following the Italian Armistice, some C.205s turned their guns on Axis aircraft with success as well, even as Mussolini's loyalists continued to fly the plane in the colors of the German-backed "Social Republic" in the north. The Germans took advantage of the fighter, temporarily equipping an entire Gruppe of JG77. After the war, modified C.205s went on to serve the Royal Egyptian Air Force during its 1948 war with Israel.