Top 10: Лучшие итальянские самолеты Второй мировой войны

The Italian air force during World War II often faced criticism from both its enemies and its allies, yet it remains an underappreciated chapter in aviation history. The Regia Aeronautica entered the war with a legacy of success from the Spanish Civil War, where Italian aircraft had proven to be among the worlds finest. Although Italys aircraft designs were often innovative, they were constrained by the limitations of Italian industrial production. Here's a subjective look at the top ten Italian aircraft from that era.

10. Fiat G.50 Freccia ('Arrow')

The Fiat G.50 was Italy's first monoplane fighter and introduced several technological advancements, such as a retractable undercarriage and an enclosed cockpit. However, the enclosed canopy proved impractical, as it was almost impossible to open in flight. Despite this, the G.50 earned a remarkable kill-to-loss ratio when operated by the Finnish air force. The Finnish pilots managed to shoot down 99 Soviet aircraft, losing only three G.50s. Yet, the harsh Finnish winters made the open cockpit of the G.50 a less than ideal choice for prolonged combat.

9. Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero ('Sparrowhawk')

Originally designed in 1934, the SM.79 was a highly successful bomber throughout its service. It made a significant impact during the Spanish Civil War and continued to be one of the most effective torpedo bombers of the Second World War. Despite its age, the SM.79s sturdy construction and reliable performance in various operations, such as the sinking of Allied shipping, solidified its place as a key player in Italy's aerial campaigns.

8. Fiat CR.42 Falco ('Falcon')

The Fiat CR.42 was one of the last biplane fighters used in the war and was notably effective in North Africa and Malta. Though outdated by the time it entered service, the Falco proved to be a formidable opponent, especially in the hands of skilled pilots. It was involved in the invasion of Greece, where it helped to destroy 162 enemy aircraft. Despite its outdated design, the CR.42 was the most produced Italian aircraft of the war, with over 1,800 units built.

7. Macchi MC.200 Saetta ('Lightning')

The MC.200 was a small, agile fighter that performed admirably in various theaters of World War II. Powered by a radial engine, it outperformed many of its contemporaries in terms of maneuverability. It was highly successful in North Africa, where it could outfly both the P-40 and the Hurricane. Over the course of the war, it shot down 88 Soviet aircraft while suffering only 15 losses, proving its worth as a versatile and capable fighter.

6. CANT Z.506B Airone ('Heron')

The CANT Z.506B was an elegant seaplane bomber that also performed well as a land-based aircraft. Its wooden construction, though seemingly old-fashioned, allowed it to endure the rigors of maritime operations. It was used for reconnaissance, bombing, and even rescue missions, becoming a versatile asset for the Italian air force. One of the most remarkable feats of the Z.506B occurred in 1942 when it was hijacked by British POWs during a rescue operation, flying them to safety in Malta.

5. Macchi MC.205V Veltro ('Greyhound')

The MC.205V was the pinnacle of Macchis fighter design, combining the powerful Daimler-Benz DB.605 engine with the exceptional handling of the MC.202 Folgore. It featured a potent armament of two 20-mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, making it one of the best-equipped Italian fighters. Although its production numbers were limited, the Veltro was highly regarded by pilots and even earned praise from British test pilots for its superior handling and combat capabilities.

4. Piaggio P.108

The Piaggio P.108 was Italys answer to the strategic bombers of the Allies. With a top speed just under 300 mph and a bombload comparable to the B-17, the P.108 was a formidable aircraft. Its advanced defensive armament, including remotely controlled turrets, made it a tough opponent for Allied bombers. Unfortunately, it was produced in limited numbers, which hindered its potential to make a larger impact on the war.

3. Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario ('Archer')

The Reggiane Re.2005 was a remarkably advanced fighter, equipped with the powerful DB 605 engine and a streamlined design that allowed it to challenge even the Spitfire. However, due to Italys limited industrial capacity, only 54 units were produced. Despite its small numbers, it was a highly capable fighter, and pilots praised its handling and performance in combat. If more of these aircraft had been available, they could have posed a serious threat to Allied forces in the Mediterranean.

2. Fiat G.55 Centauro ('Centaur')

The Fiat G.55 was widely regarded as Italy's best fighter of the war. Featuring an impressive armament of three 20-mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, it was well-suited for combat against Allied bombers. Though production was limited, the G.55 was highly respected by both its pilots and the Germans, who considered it one of the best Axis fighters. Its combination of speed, firepower, and maneuverability made it a formidable adversary on the battlefield.

1. Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Kanguru ('Kangaroo')

The SM.82 was the most effective transport aircraft produced by Italy during World War II. Although it wasnt glamorous or particularly fast, the Kanguru was indispensable for the Italian military, transporting troops and supplies across various fronts. It was versatile enough to serve as a bomber when needed, carrying a bombload of up to 4000 kg. The SM.82s robust design allowed it to remain in service long after the war, with the Italian air force using it into the early 1960s.

Author: Benjamin Carter