Macchi C.202

The Macchi C.202 'Folgore' was a day interceptor/fighter aircraft used by the Royal Italian Air Force during World War II. It also had ground-attack capabilities. Its prototype first flew on August 10, 1940, entering service in November 1941. The Folgore (Thunderbolt) was the most maneuverable and fastest Italian fighter to see combat action, and it was second only to the Fiat CR.42 in total numbers built, with 1,150 aircraft made. Sometimes the British pilots mistook it for the German Messerschmitt Bf 109.

The Macchi C.202 saw intense combat action in the Mediterranean Theater, Italy, North Africa, and the Eastern Front during Operation Case Blue in 1942. It is estimated that it shot down more than 250 enemy aircraft of all sort. It was at the same level with all its best enemy fighters as it was superior to the Hawker Hurricane and the Curtis P-40. After the war, it was kept in service with the Royal Egyptian Air Force and the Italian Military Aeronautic, from which it retired in 1951.

Technical characteristics

The C.202 was a single-seat monoplane, which was fitted with straight wings that were mounted low on its metal, streamlined fuselage. It had retractable landing gear and a low cockpit canopy. The last variants were equipped with sand filters on the supercharger air intake to make it fit to carry out sorties in North Africa. The Folgore was powered by an Alfa Romeo RA1000 RC-41 Monsonie, which was a 12-cylinder, inverted 'V', liquid-cooled engine, delivering 1,175 hp. This engine was a license-built Daimler-Benz DB-601A.

Weapons

The Macchi C.202 was equipped with two 12.7-mm Breda-SAFAT machines guns, which were mounted on the fuselage, two wing-mounted 7.7-mm Breda machine guns. Later versions were also armed with one 20-mm Mauser G-151 cannon. For its ground-attack missions, it carried two 100-kg bombs.

Specifications

Wing span: 10.58 m

Length: 8.85 m

Height: 3.03 m

Wing area: 16.08 sq m

Maximum speed: 600 km/h (373 miles/h)

Range: 765 km (405 miles)

Below, the 'Folgore' fighter aircraft (prototype).

The Macchi C.202 in North Africa in 1942.

Macchi C.202 Series III