Italeri 1:72 MC.202 Folgore Aces

The Macchi MC.202 Folgore represented a significant innovation for the fighter squadrons of the Regia Aeronautica (Royal Italian Air Force). Aerodynamically exceptionally beautiful, it was equipped with powerful German DB 601 inline engines, which were produced under license by the Italian Air Force. The new engines and the strength of the aviation project provided the Regia Aeronautica with a fighter aircraft capable of competing on the same level as the Allied fighters. Its flight performance was significantly better compared to the previous generation of fighters equipped with radial engines, such as the Fiat G-50 and the Macchi Mc-200. Agile and fast (it could reach speeds of 600 km/h), the early versions were armed with two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted on the front. Only in later versions was the armament upgraded to make it better suited for aerial combat against American and British fighters.