Przemystaw Skulski
Macchi C.202
FOLGORE ta eens
TzysztotgWolowski
MACCHI
C.202
FOLGORE Published in Poland in 2005 by STRATUS
Artur Juszczak, Po. Box 123, 27-600 Sandomierz 1, Poland
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for
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ISBN 83-89450-06-2
Editor in chief Roger Wallsgrove
Editorial Team Bartlomiej Belearz
Robert Peczkowski
Artur Juszezak
Translation Wojtek Matusiak
Colour Drawings Krzysztof Wolowski
Scale plans Mariusz Kubryn
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Acknowledgements
‘The author would like to thank George Papadimitriou, Tauro Model, Aer. Macchi, Gruppo Amici Velivoli
Storici, Zbigniew Lalak, Wojciech Luczak, Mikael Orlog. Giorgio Apostolo.
Printed by: Drukarnia Diecezjalna, ul. Zeromskiego 4, 27-600 Sandomierz
tel. (15) 832 31 92; fax (15) 832 77 87
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PRINTED IN POLAND ableyotacontents:
Introduction.
Development
Combat Use.
Technical Data nad Performance ....
Fuselage..
Engin
Canopy & Cockpi
C. 202 captured and tested
by the Americans (324
Fighter Group), summer-
autumn 1943.
J. Sterling coll
On the title page:
Prototype C.202D
(M.M.7768) with the radia-
tor located at the front of
the fuselage.
Aer. Macchi
Macchi C.202 3 Development
MC. 202, serial M.M 9667,
serie XI at Museo Storico
Dell’ Aeronautica Militare
Italiana, Roma.
George Papadimitriou
4 Macchi C.202
sone of the best Italian aireraft
of WWIL. This fighter, designed by Mario Castoldi, was used in combat
from the autumn of 1941 until the end of the war, and achieved much success.
Leading pilots of the Regia Aeronautica, including Lucchini, Gorrini, Ferrall
and Martinoli, fought in them over Malta and North Africa, andvin defence
of Italy. The Macchi C.202 was a dangerous opponent for Allied aircraft,
especially in 1941-42, when it boasted superiority over the Hurricane and
Tomahawk. Later on, when engaging the Spitfire and Kittyhawk, successes
were more difficult to achieve.
The Folgore suffered from two main problems: the armament was inad-
equate, and not enough of the aircraft were built, Engines and spares were in
short supply, too. One could say that the failure to use in full the potential of
this promising design was mainly due to the weakness of the Italian aircraft
industry. Development
[ 1939 the Italian Ministerio dell’Aeronautica defined the specifications for
a new fighter, to replace the machines then in use: Fiat CR.42 Falco, Fiat
G.50 Freceia, and Macchi C.200 Saetta. The Aeronautica Macchi company
prepared a prototype designated C.201, based on the C.200 Saetta fighter. It
was designed by Mario Castoldi. Compared to its predecessor, the aircraft
had a modified fuselage, and it was planned to be powered by the 1,000 hp
Fiat A.76 R.C.40 radial engine. However, work on the engine was terminated,
and a different engine, the 870 hp A.74 R.C.38, was fitted in the prototype
Consequently, the new aircraft’s performance was only slightly better than
the C.200, resulting in the failure of the project.
Previous experience proved that the new fighter would need a reliable and
powerful engine. The Italians placed high expectations on the new Fiat A.38
in-line engine. However, this proved tosuffer from many shortcomings, and
its entry into production would take a long time. In early 1940 Gen. Fra
Pricolo became the head of the Air Staff, and one of his initial decisions was
to stop A.38 development and purchase the Daimler-Benz DB 601A-I (1,175
hp) in Germany, together with a licence for production.’ These were going
to be used in the new fighters, including the Reggiane Re 2001 Falco Il and
Caproni-Vizzola F4, It was also planned to use them in the next prototype
developed from the C.200 fighter. This was the C.202, which introduced
a number of changes compared to the Saetta: smaller fuselage cross section,
enclosed cockpit, and retractable tail wheel. The most important modific
tion, however, was to redesign the forward fuselage, adapting it foran in-line
engine. The aircraft retained an aerodynamically clean form, a characteristic
feature of the machines developed by Castoldi, the designer of pre-war Sch-
neider Trophy floatplanes. The armament was unchanged, and consisted of
two 0.5 in, Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted in the fuselage, above the
engine. Each gun had 400 rounds of ammunition. The aircraft also retained
1e8CO
Initial appearance of the
prototype C.202. Note the
short air intake for the
supercharger, cockpit glaz-
ing, and the retractable tail
wheel.
Aer. Macchi
Macchi C.202 5 Development
The sole prototype C.202
with military serial no,
M.M.445.
Aer. Macchi
€.202 prototype.
1/72 scale
the C.200's asymmetry, the port wing being 200mm longer (to compensate
for propeller torque). Oddly, according to some publications, work on the
aircraft was carried out by Macchi without an order from the military, so the
company had to bear all costs of developing the new design,
The prototype was first flown on 10 August 1940 by the factory test
pilot, Guido Carestiato. The aircraft proved very promising, attaining a top
speed of almost 600km/h, had a good rate of climb, and responded well to
the controls. Apparently, Carestiato stated that the new fighter had no flaws
atall. No wonder, then, that the new Macchi fighter aroused immediate inter-
est from the Ministerio dell’Aeronautica. The prototype, with the military
serial M.M.4452, was subjected to a series of tests at Centro Sperimentale at
Guidonia and Furbara (armament testing). These confirmed the merits of the
new design: a top speed of 599 knw/h was attained at an altitude of 5,600m,
and it took 6 minutes 13 seconds to climb to 6,000 m. Therefore the fighter,
named Folgore, was quickly put into series production. Only minor changes
were introduced during testing of the prototype, which tends to prove that
the design was a success from the beginning.
6 Macchi C.202 Due to the large demands of the Regia Aeronautica, production of the
C.202 was prepared not only in the parent Macchi factory at Varese. During
1941-43 the aircraft were also manufactured under licence by Breda at
Sesto San Giovanni (near Milano), and by SAI-Ambrosini at Passignano
(Perugia),
‘The fighters were built in 13 production series, with three more planned
but never completed. The identification of individual production series allows
‘one to differentiate between machines that featured various modifications, but
it does not solve all problems in this respect. It has to be stressed that modi-
fications were often introduced depending on the capabilities of a particular
factory that built the aircraft. In practice this meant that a modification intro-
duced, for example, in Series III, did not have to appear in later series, nor
even in series produced at the same time by other factories. One should also
add that publications quote varying dates as to the period when individual
design changes were introduced.? This applies, for example, to the fitting of
machine guns in wings, modification of the tail wheel design, introduction
of the cockpit air intake, or repositioning of the venturi from the side to the
bottom of the fuselage. All in all, however, modifications applied to the
Macchi C.202 during production were small.
Series I
‘These machines were manufactured at the Breda factory during July 1941
- March 1942. A total of 100 aircraft were built (serial nos. M.M. 7859-7958).
They differed from the prototype only in details. A long air intake for the
supercharger was fitted, but it did not feature a dust filter. In the rear part
of the cockpit canopy, glazing was replaced by suitably shaped metal sheet.
Retractable tail wheel was replaced with a fixed one, with small fairings
forward and aft of it. Early aircraft had a short, flexible aerial mast. The
most important internal change was to replaced the welded engine mount
with a forged one
Series II
‘These were the first ten production machines built by Macchi during
May 1941-April 1942 (M.M.7709-7718).‘ Although they were identical with
the Series I machines, they are known as the Series II. According to some
publications the initial C.202s had C.200 Saetta wings.
. Series IL
This included 140 C.202 (M.M.7719-7858) built by Macchi from May
1941 until April 1942. Late Series III aircraft introduced changes necessary
to adapt them for tropical operations: dust filter on the supercharger air intake
(some earlier machines were also fitted with it, but most flew without it),
larger oil cooler, cooling vents in the machine gun covers, additional cockpit
air intake (port side forward of the windscreen) to provide better ventila-
tion. Aircraft so modified were designated C.202 A.S. (Africa Settentrionale
Development
Macchi C.202 7 Macchi C.202 (Series III, ~ North Africa). The aircraft also featured a single-piece fairing forward of
‘M.M.7806) at a factory the tail wheel (under combat conditions the fairings were often removed).
airfield. Note interesting
details: small cockpit air Series IV
intake in front of the wind- This covered 50 aircraft (M.M.7409-7458) built by SAI-Ambrosini from
sereen (many photos show — November 1941 until April 1942. Aircraft of this series had similar changes
these larger and located to the late Series III Folgores.
slightly higher), and fair-
ings forward and af of the Series V
tail wheel. The photo also 50 machines (M.M.7959-8008) manufactured by SAI-Ambrosini during
shows the AS designation May-July 1942. The early machines were similar to the C.202 Series IV,
under the military serial while the late ones featured modifications typical for the Series VII. More
and on the tail wheel. modern San Giorgio type C reflector gunsighis replace the type B gunsights
Aer. Macchi re Bestia hay A
Above: C.202 early aircraft of series I-III
Below: C.202 late series Il
8 Macchi C.202 Above:
C.202 - early series V
from Series V on. It seems, however, that these did not become standard until Bottom:
the last production series of the Folgore. Early
Gruppo, # Stormo, photo-
Series VI graphed on 25 September
‘These were 50 aircraft (M.M.8081-8130) manufactured by Breda in the 1941 at Campino airfield
spring of 1942, near Rome.
Aer.Macchi
Early C.202 Folgore (no aerial mast or dust
proof filter on the supercharger air intake).
Wartime censor has removed all markings.
Stato Maggiore Aeronautica
Macchi C.202 9 Development
pppaAd Bo.
AA BB CC DD EE EF GG HH H J
|A|B jc |D E| Fé |H es ic
pa —
|A|B 3 El FIIG | II Ps
This and opposite page:
C.202 series IX
10 Macchi C.202 Development
Macchi C.202 11 Development
12 Macchi C.202 Series VII
Covered 100 machines (M.M.9023-9122) manufactured between April
and July 1942 by Macchi. Aircraft ofthis series started to be fitted as standard
with two additional 0.308 in. Breda-SAFAT machine guns in the wings® (with
500 rounds per gun). This increased the fire power of the fighter and this,
solution was sporadically used in machines manufactured earlier. It proved,
however, that the additional guns were insufficient, and that they affected the
flying characteristics of the Folgore (take-off weight rose from 2,930kg to
3,069 kg). Therefore the wing-mounted machine guns were usually removed
in combat units. In theory, from Series VII on it was standard to fit the air-
craft with bomb carriers under the wings. These could carry two 50-150kg
bombs or additional 100-150 | fuel tanks. In practice this option was seldom
used. Itis sometimes said that the aircraft with the bomb carriers fitted were
designated C.202CB ~ Caccia Bombardiere (Fighter Bomber).
Other important changes included: central armoured glass panel in the
windscreen, armour plate aft of the pilot’s seat, and rear-view mirror above
the windscreen, From mid-1942 new type “D” tail wheel was fitted and its
forward fairing was reshaped. At about the same time the Folgore started to be
fitted with the Italian Alfa Romeo R.A. 1000 R.C. 41-1 Monsone (monsoon)
engine. The machines with this power plant featured two small additional
bulges in the upper engine cowling (one on each side of the cowling)..
‘Similar modifications to those in Series VII machines could be seen in
late Series V, Series VI-X, and early Series XI aircraft.
Series VIII
Covered 50 aircraft (M.M.8339-8388) manufactured by Breda between
March and July 1942
Series IX
This counted 100 aircraft (M.M.9389-9490) built by Macchi from Sep-
tember 1941 until February 1942.
Series X
100 aircraft manufactured during July-September 1942 by Breda
(M.M.9500-9601).
Take-off of I Stormo C.202
‘from a North African ai
field. The Macchi is an early
series machine, as proved
by the absence of the aerial
‘mast, but it is fitted with
«a dust filter on the super-
charger air intake. German
Messerschmitt Bf 109F's are
in the background.
Stato Maggiore
Aeronautica
Macchi C.202 13 C.202 Folgore, series XI - Series XI
late production aircraft. Series of 150 aircraft (M.M.9602-9753) built by Breda from November
1942 until April 1943. Late Series XI aircraft featured the following modi-
fications:
- new horizontal tail,
hot air outlet on the starboard side of the engine cowling,
= _ twoadditional circular inspection hatches in the fuselage armament
bay covers, to facilitate re-arming,
- changed shape of the oil cooler outlet,
~ some aircraft were fitted with the Bg.42 radio direction finder aerials,
on the bottom of the fuselage,
the venturi was relocated from the bottom to the starboard side of
the fuselage, below the cockpit’
Series XII
The machines built by Breda between May and August 1943. This Series
Macchi C.202 (Series XI) of comprised 150 aircraft (M.M.91803-91952). Last machines were assembled
the 353° Squadriglia in September 1943, under German control. The fighters were similar to the
AerMacchi C.202 Series XI (late),
14 Macchi C.202 Series XIII
Aircraft of this series were built at the parent Macchi factory from April
until August 1943, 50 machines were manufactured (M.M.91953-92002). This
was the last completed production series. The aircraft had the same scope of
modifications as in the Series XI (late) machines.
Series XIV
Series XIV covered 50 fighters (M.M.92003-92052) to be manufactured
by SAI-Ambrosini. It was not built due to the fall of Mussolini.
Series XV
Covered 100 aircraft (M.M.92053-92152) to be built by Breda. Not
accomplished
Series XVI
This was the last planned production series, of 150 aircraft (M.M.95950-
96099), to be built in the factory at Sesto San Giovanni (Breda). It was not
‘manufactured, similar to the two previous series.
A total of just 1,150 Macchi C.202s were built (some publications quote
the number of 1,500 machines, but this includes the cancelled orders)’ The
largest number of aircraft was built by Breda: 650, Macchi production lines
tured out 400 Folgores, and SAI-Ambrosini made 100 machines.
All this was much less than the Regia Aeronautica needed, even though
the Folgore was the Italian fighter built in the largest numbers. The main
obstacle was an insufficient supply of engines. As already mentioned, initial
.202 aircraft were powered with original German DB 601A-1 engines,
later ones were fitted with engines built under licence by Alfa Romeo at the
Macchi C.202 in southern
Italy.
G. Apostolo
Macchi C.202 15 Development
* German built gun camera.
€.202 in Russia
G, Apostollo
Pomigliano d’ Arco plant, designated RA 1000 R.C.41-I Monsone. Production
of these posed serious technical problems to the Italians, resulting in smaller
number of engines manufactured. A total of 1,500-2,000 licence DB 601A-1
engines were built.
Reconnaissance Folgore
A small number of Folgore were built in reconnaissance version. These
aircraft were fitted with vertical cameras in the fuselage, in place of the radio
set. The Folgore flown by Carlo Maurizio Ruspoli (M.M.7848, code 91-3)
featured a Robot* camera in the starboard wing leading edge.
Experimental versions
Several interesting experimental versions were developed by Macchi. One
of the aircraft (M.M.7768), designated C.202D, featured a radiator under the
forward fuselage (rather than under the wing centre section as in the standard
Folgore). Its larger frontal area ensured better airflow and improved engine
cooling. However, the aircraft's performance was inferior and the idea was
abandoned.
Another Macchi (M.M.91974) had 20mm Mauser MG 151/20 cannon
pods fitted under wings. This was connected with the plans to use these in
€.205 aircraft and to use the C.202 for ground attack duties. The aircraft was
designated C.202EC (EC - Esperimento Cannone, Cannon Experimental),
16 Macchi C.202 but was not series produced as it was found out that the cannon seriously
affected the performance and flying characteristics
Curiously, there were plans to use Folgores to control SAI-Ambrosini
AR. pilotless flying bombs. The latter was a simple aircraft of wooden con-
struction, powered by a 1,000 hp Fiat A.80 R.C.41 radial engine, fitted with
a jettisoned undercarriage for take-off. Its armament consisted of a 1,000kg
bomb fitted in the fuselage. Initially it was assumed that the aircraft would
have a pilot who was going to bail out as soon as he set the bomber on a target
course. Later on, inspired by the German Mistel, it was planned to combine
the A.R. with a C.202 Folgore mounted on a special pylon above the fuselage
ofthe bomb. The combination would be controlled by the pilot of the Macchi
via a remote control system. The plans were never put into practice
In the spring of 1942 a Series IX aircraft (M.M.9487) was fitted with
the 1,475 hp DB 605 engine, thus becoming the prototype of the best Italian
fighter of WWII, the C.205 Veltro (greyhound). The first series of these
machines was assembled by matching Folgore airframes (that awaited
RA. 1000 R.C.41-1 engines) with DB 605 engines. These aircraft were known
unofficially as the C.202bis, A similar method was used during 1944-45, when
the Aeronautica Sannita plant converted about a dozen Folgotes to Veltro
standard. Another similar transformation took place during 1948-1950 when
over 40 Folgores were converted to C.205s. These aircraft were earmarked
for the Egyptian air force.
C.202 Folgore survivors
Only two Macchi C.202 Folgore aircraft survive today. One of these is
held by the Museo Storico Dell’‘Aeronautica Militare Italiana in Bracciano,
Italy, and the other by the National Air & Space Museum in Washington,
DC, USA
The Macchi at Bracciano is a late series machine, built in early 1943 by
Breda. This is proved by certain details, such as armament bay covers and the
horizontal tail. In March 1943 the aircraft was allocated to 54° Stormo, and
then it served in 5°Stormo Aeronautica Cobellingerante. After the war the
Macchi was a training machine at the Accademia Navale in Livorno. Becom-
Development
)2 (serial unknown)
at Rome, Italy.
A.W. Euczak
Macchi C.202 17 Development
Folgore at NASM, USA.
18 Macchi C.202
M. Olrog
ing a museum exhibit, the aircraft was carefully restored. Unfortunately not all
parts of the aircraft ae original, for example the propeller spinner and engine
cowling (one panel comes from a C.20SV Veltro). Oddly, the aircraft does
not have the cockpit air intake under the windscreen, typical for early produc-
tion series Folgore (this might suggest that this aeroplane is a combination of
elements from various series aircraft), Many cockpit instruments are missing.
Currently the aircraft is exhibited in the markings of Giulio Reiner, an ace
of the Regia Aeronautica.
The history of the aircraft held at the NASM is more difficult to ascertain.
‘The aircraft found its way to the USA together with other machines as a war
trophy, and was stored for many years. Restoration of the aircraft was com-
pleted in mid-1970, Most probably itis a Serie VI to IX machine. The aircraft
had been fitted with machine guns in the wings, but these were removed. Itis
displayed in the markings of 90° Squadriglia of the 4° Stormo C.T8.
(Footnotes)
1. A total of 419 engines were purchased. Alberto Longhi from Reggiane
took an important part in importing these engines.
M.M. - Matricola Militare (military serial no.)
Ithas to be stressed that varying production dates are quoted for individual
series.
4. According tosome older publications, production of this series was com:
pleted by July 1941, This seems reasonable, considering that it counted
only 10 aircraft. However, recent Italian publications say that it was not
completed until the spring of 1942.
Wing-mounted machine guns were fitted for the first time in a Series IIL
aircrafi no. M.M.7731.
6. Although itis sometimes claimed that the venturi was repositioned earlier,
already in Series VII aircraft.
7. G. Apostolo quotes an even smaller number of C.202 aircraft: 1,070. This
results, among others, from the fact that after 8 September 1943 some
machines then in production were not completed.
8. CT. - Cacia Terrestre (Land-based Fighter), Gombatause
1 ‘QGruppo, 1° Stormo C.T. (17th Group, Ist Fighter Wing), based at
‘Campoformido near Udine, was the first unit of the Regia Aeronau-
tica to receive C.202 aircraft. Folgores were delivered there in May 1941,
but combat capability was not attained until the autumn, by which time the
Folgore had already been used successfully by the 9° Gruppo over Malta.
Malta debut
In July 1941 Macchi C.202s were delivered to the 9° Gruppo (4° Stormo).
‘Two months later the group was transferred to Sicily, and in late September
Jacopo Figero, a 97 Squadriglia (97" Squadron) pilot shot down at Comiso
a Hurricane IIB of 185 Squadron RAF flown by P/O Lintern, Several hours
later the Italians downed a Fairey Fulmar Il.
From early October the Italian unit commenced extensive operations over
Malta, which provided numerous opportunities for encounters with British
aircraft. The Folgore displayed marked superiority over the Hurricane Is, but
its main shortcoming, the weak armament, was a problem. The C.202 was not
only used for fighter operations, but also for ground attack and reconnaissance
missions. Among the pilots who flew reconnaissance Folgores over Malta was
Adriano Visconti who later became one of the leading Italian aces (credited
with a total of 10 aerial victories!).
Inthe spring of 1942 operations against the island were intensified. Apart
from the squadrons of the 4° Stormo C.T. (9° and 10° Gruppo), subsequent
Macchi C.202 of
the 4° Stormo at Campino
airfield, autumn 1941.
Aer.Macchi
Macchi C.202 19 Combat Use
os
Macchi C.202 of the 974
Squadriglia at an Iral-
ian airfield. Other types of
fighters can be seen in the
background: C.200 Saetta
and CR.42 Falco.
Zbigniew Lalak coll.
Macchi C.202 of the 734
Squadriglia in flight over
the desert, September 1942
Aircraft no. 73-4 was flown
by the Regia Aeronautica’s
top scorer, Teresio Marti-
noli.
Gruppo Amici Velivoli
20 Macchi C.202
Storici
units arrived over Malta: the 20° and 155° Gruppo (of the 51° Stormo) and
23° Gruppo (3° Stormo). Besides typical fighter missions (sweeps, bomber
escorts), the Macchis also attacked supply convoys to Malta. In the air the
Italians now encountered mainly the Spittire V, a more difficult opponent than
the Hurricane. Nevertheless, numerous successes were scored, and the top
scoring Italian pilots included Cap. Furio Nicolot-Doglio (7 aerial victories:
he was killed on 27 July 1942 in combat with the RAF ace “Screwball”
Beurling) and segg. Ennio Tarantola (10 kills). Both these pilots flew with
the 51° Stormo CT., the top scoring Italian unit over Malta, its pilots claim-
ing 97 aircraft destroyed for the loss of 17 of its own machines. Also the
pilots of 4° Stormo distinguished themselves in these combats. Between 4
and 16 May 1942 Teresio Martinoli shot down three Spitfires (plus another
categorised as probably destroyed), becoming one of the leading aces of the
Regia Aeronautica (he had earlier shot down 5 British aircraft over Malta
in 1941). Another pilot of the wing, Cap. Franco Lucchini, was close to that Combat Use
Line of Folgore C.202,
Series II] at Lonate Pozzolo
in summer 1941, just before
delivery to the operational
units. The first in the line is
serial M.M. 7825.
G. Apostolo
result, downing two enemy machines (for a total of 6 victories over Malta
during 1941-42),
For the C.202 pilots extensive fighting over Malta ended in May 1942,
when the Germans and Italians concentrated all their forces on operations in
North Africa, Consequently, many C.202s moved from Sicily to that continent.
Only some reconnaissance Folgores were left behind.
North Africa, Pantelleria, Sicily
In October 1941 the first C.202 units arrived in North Africa: the 6° and
17°Gruppo (1° Stormo). In the spring of 1942 they were joined by squadrons
of the 4° withdrawn from Malta operations. The machines of these units par-
ticipated in the counter-offensive commenced by the Germans and Italians
in January 1942, aimed at capturing Alexandria, Encounters with Desert Air Folgore of the 3514 Squad-
Force fighters, mainly Hurricanes and Tomahawks, proved again that the riglia (51° Stormo), prob-
Folgore was a successful design, able to achieve air superiority. The C.202 ably in North Africa.
combat tactics were similar to those of the Bf 109: attack from higher altitude, Zbigniew Lalak coll.
Macchi C.202 21 Combat Use
Luigi Gorrini, the second
top scoring Italian ace,
scored most of his victories
in the C.202 Folgore.
Stato Maggiore Aeronautica
C.202 Folgore of 90a Sq. 4
Stormo.
G. Apostolo
hit and run, Speed (also diving speed) was the Folgore’s advantage, while its
horizontal manoeuvrability was not great.
In the summer of 1942 the 1° and 4° Stormo were particularly active,
performing sweeps, escorts (including cover to bombers attacking Tobruk)
and operations against Allied airfields (much success was achieved during the
gainst Gambut), Franco Lucchini was one of the most successful pilots
during that period, achieving 10 victories between May and August 1942.
He was one of the overall top scoring Italian fighters, credited with a total of
21 victories. Also Teresio Martinoli excelled above the North African skies,
downing 4 P-40s and 3 Spitfires (he scored a total of 22 victories, becoming
the top scoring Italian ace of WWII). Leonardo Ferrulli was another C.202
pilot who scored many victories over Allied aircraft during that period.
In spite of the success of the German-Italian offensive, which captured
‘Tobruk among others, the situation of Italian fighter units was becoming more
and more difficult: new aireraft and spare parts (especially engines) were
in short supply. In the summer the Italians had only a hundred serviceable
.202s in North Africa. Both pilots and ground crew were fatigued, both by
the combat and the difficult climate.
over to the 4° Stormo, and the personnel returned to Italy. It was replaced by
another C.202 unit: the 23° Gruppo (of the 3° Stormo). The 75* Squadriglia
under Magg. Luigi Filippi was the first to arrive in Africa, being based at Fuka,
In late Augustearly September pilots of the group flew 1
18 enemy machines shot down. In one of the combats the Italians supported the
Messerschmitt Bf 109F flown by the Luftwaffe ace Hans-Joachim Marseille,
and received a case of champagne as a ‘thank-you’ from L/JG
Inearly October aerial support for the Battle of Alamein commenced. On
9 October 1942 RAF squadrons fiercely attacked German and Italian airfields.
During air combats Regia Aeronautica fighters shot down 10 enemy aircraft,
but suffered painful losses. During subsequent days more bitter encounters
took place, On 20 October, for example, during an attack against the airfields
yon the 1°Stormo passed its machines
sorties, claiming
22 Macchi C.202 Combat Use
of the 3° and 4° Stormo the Allies destroyed some 10 aircraft in the air and
20 on the ground. At the end of the month the long awaited reinforcements
reached North Aftica in form of 30 new C.202s, improving the situation in
terms of equipment for a short while.
In November 1942, after the invasion in North Africa (Operation “Torch”,
air combats became more intense. Two Folgore units were transferred to
Sardinia: 53° Gruppo Autonomo and 17° Gruppo (1° Stormo), immediately
joining in the fighting. Now the Italians fought not only the Commonwealth
air forces, butalso the United States Army Air Force. The superiority, both in
numbers and the quality, was now with the Allies, and suecesses were much
more difficult to achieve, especially when encountering the Spitfires and
P-40 Warhawks. In early 1943 the Italians had only 54 serviceable C.202s
in twelve squadrons, clearly indicating shortage of equipment. During the
same period Regia Aeronautica fighters still scored numerous successes, for
example on 6-7 March 1943 when they claimed 19 RAFand 2 USAAF aircraft
shot down, losing only 2 Folgores. No less than 10 machines were downed by
pilots of the 16°Gruppo Assalto ~ an attack unit flying Macchis. At the end
of the month another C.202 unit, the 7° Gruppo, moved to Tunisia. During
the Tunisian operation (April-May 1943) Macchi C.202s were encountered
by pilots of the Spitfire IX-equipped Polish Fighting Team, Most of these
were successful for the Poles, including victories against C.202s credited to
Krél, Horbaczewski and Skalski.
C.202 374" Sq. Asso di Bas-
toni.
G. Apostolo
Macchi C.202 23 Combat Use
Teresio Martinoli, the top
scoring ace of the Regia
Aeronautica
Stato Maggiore
Aeronautica
During fighting in Tunisia the Italians lost a total of 22 Macchi C.202s
in the air, plus 47 more destroyed or damaged on the ground, The last Ma
chis were evacuated from North Africa on 10 May 1943 (aircraft of the 54°
Stormo that flew to Sicily). In the following month the Folgores fought in
defence of Pantelleria, which failed to become the “Italian Malta” and quickly
surrendered. More success was achieved during the defence of Sicily. On the
invasion day alone, 10 July 1943, Macchi pilots claimed 14 Allied aircraft shot
down, Apart from that they flew many attack and bombing missions.
Defence of Italy
‘The defence of Italy against Allied attacks was the last chapter of C.202
history in Regia Aeronautica colours. It was difficult to down heavy bombers
with just four machine guns (and more often only two). Even more so when the
bombers were escorted by Mustangs, Thunderbolts, and Spitfire IXs, superior
to the Folgore in all respects. Individual victories were scored by the best of
the fighters, such as Adriano Mantelli (test pilot, veteran from the Spanish
Civil War, scored the last victory for the Regia Aeronautica, downing a B-24
bomber on 8 September 1943 over Frascati) and Luigi Gorrini’. The latter had
a reputation for fighting heavy bombers and had at least six such aircraft to
his credit (later on, fighting for the Social Republic of Italy, he downed two
more four-engined USAAF bombers, but he achieved that on the Folgore’s
successor, the C.205V Veltro).
2 during delivery to 3* Stormo, 1941.
ea ara
24 Macchi C.202 Combat Use
The Ost Front episode
In the summer of 1942 it was decided to increase the Italian participation
ainst the USSR. In September 1942 Folgores first appeared over
the Eastern Front. These were the machines delivered to the 21°Gruppo, which
previously used the C.200 Saetta. The unit, based at Voroshilovgrad, received
twelve C.202s, supplemented by two reconnaissance machines the following
month. The aircraft were allocated to 356", 361%, 382* and 386* Squadriglia.
The machines took part in the Stalingrad battle, among others, performing
fighter and attack missions. The last Folgore mission was flown on 17 January
1943 at Millerovo. A few days later, the Soviet counter-offensive forced the
Italians to withdraw from Stalino, leaving about a dozen aircraft (Saettas and
Folgores) at Voroshilovgrad airfield. During September 1942-January 1943
C.202 Folgores flew a mere 17 combat missions, achieving no successes, and
suffering no losses (5 aircraft were left in Russia for engineering reasons).
On the side of the Allies
On 8 September 1943, when Mussolini surrendered, there were about
200 C.202 Folgores in Italy (including damaged aircraft, and the late series
machines still in production). Of this number only a small number of Mac-
chis found themselves in the Aeronautica Cobelligerante (Co-Belligerent
Air Force) of the so-called Southern Kingdom. Additionally a few machines
flew over to the south from the German-controlled zone. In October the
newly formed Raggruppamento Caccia had 27 Folgores. Aircraft of the
Folgore in Russia.
G. Apopstolo
Macchi C.202 25 Combat Use
Right: Luigi Gorrini and
his C.202 Folgore. Gorrini
shot down 19 enemy aircraft
and was considered one of
the experts in destruction of
heavy bombers
Aer. Macchi
Below:
Ennio Tarantoli (left) and
Pietro Bianchi in front
of a C.202 (MM.9066).
The aircraft, named “Dai
Banana” was the personal
mount of Tarantoli. The
pilot ended the war with 10
kills to his credit.
Gruppo Amici Velivoli
Storici
Macchi C.202 of the 3864 Squadriglia
(21° Gruppo) on the Eastern Front, win-
ter 1942/43.
Stato Maggiore Aeronautica
26 Macchi C.202 Above
Folgores of 95# Sq. 3
Stormo.
Left:
€.202 of 153° Gruppo (red
stripe on white band).
Below.
€.202 with individual
‘umber on white band.
All photos G. Apostolo
Macchi C.202 27 Combat Use
C.202 Folgore of the 5°
Stormo with Aeronautica
Cobelligerante marking:
The photo was taken at
Lecce-Leverano airfield
September 1944,
s
in
Stato Maggiore
Aeronautica
Macchi C.202 of 8
Gruppo, Regia Aeronau
fica
Cobelligerante, late 1943
south Italy.
Stato Maggiore Aeron
nau
tica
type equipped, among others, the 4° Stormo, 21° Gruppo and 155° Gruppo!
that participated in actions against the Germans not only in Italy, but also in
Yugoslavia and Albania. The Folgores were used mainly for ground attack
duties, for example at Scutari (Albania) and Podgorica (Yugoslavia) airfields
The attack of six 4° Stormo Folgores against Podgorica airfield on | November
1944, which destroyed 17 enemy aircraft, was an example of a successful
mission. Ten C.202s had been lost by the end of hostilities. After Italian units
were re-equipped with US and British aircraft, including the Spitfire V and
P-39Q Airacobra, Folgores were phased out to training units.
After the war Regiane Aeronautica had over 30 Macchi C.202 Folgores.
The majority of these were the machines rebuilt from wrecks, so that it is
very difficult, if not impossible, to identify production series of individual
machines. The aircraft were mostly used for training. In early 1947 the flying
training school at Lecce still had 12 Folgores (including 6 undergoing repair)
‘The C.202s soldiered on in Italian training establishments until the 1950s.
28 Macchi C.202 National Socialist Republic
In September 1943 some 50 Macchi C.202s found themselves in the
north. These aircraft were captured by the Germans and allocated to units of
the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (National Republican Aviation) of
the National Socialist Republic of Italy which used at least 24 aircraft of the
type’. They were mostly used for training (in 3° Gruppo Caccia) and defence
of industry and aerodromes. Combat missions were flown in Macchi C.205V
Veltros and Fiat G.55 Centauros and German Bf 109s.
Macchis outside Italy
In the spring 1943 the Swiss air force (Flugwaffe) expressed interest in
the C.202. A preliminary contract allowed for delivery of two Series XIII
aircraft and a single engine. Later on the Swiss intended to buy 18 C.202s.
Due to bureaucratic obstacles the contract was never fulfilled. After 8 Sep-
tember 1943 the “Swiss” Folgores were impressed by the Germans, and then
they were allocated to the units of the Social Republic of Italy. According to
some sources Flugwaffe pilots made acquaintance flights in the C.202s, but
information about the circumstances of these, or even positive confirmation,
is lacking.
In mid-1944 C.202s were delivered to Croatia. The machines were ferried
in from the Breda factory at Sesto San Giovanni near Milano. The Folgores
were delivered to the 11 Squadron based at Kurilovec near Velka Gorica that
formed part of the 4th Group. The exact number of C.202s used in Croatia, or
Macchi C.202, serial M.M.
8344 (Serie VI) of 238°
Squadrigilia, 8° Gruppo
Regia Aeronautica Cobel-
ligerante.
Stato Maggiore Aeronautica
Macchi C.202 29 Combat Use
Windscreen of a C.202
with armoured glass panel.
Details of the gun sight and
the cockpit air intake are
visible.
Gruppo Amici Velivoli
30 Macehi C.202
Storici
the course of their service is not known. The small number of photos seem to
suggest that there were few aircraft of the type (probably about a dozen).
3
(Footnotes)
Victories of lalian fighters are subject to varying interpretations. This
work relied on the information given in “Italian Aces of World War 2”,
Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No. 34, by Giovanni Massimello and Giorgio
Apostolo.
In 1942 Italian fighter pilots flew 23,555 combat sorties in North Africa,
of which some 30% were in Macchi C.202 Folgores.
Fifth ranking Italian ace with 19 victories to his credit 4 Allittle later the C.202 was also in the inventory of the 5° Stormo. These
were machines handed over by the 4° Stormo afier it converted to P-39
Airacobras.
5 Publications quote varying numbers of aircraft that were in the north
and the south after 8 September 1943 and were used in combat or train-
ing. This i
among others, due to the fact that initially a number of
Italian pilots would use their aircraft to change sides. The situation is
further complicated by the fact that Folgores were re-built from wrecks
‘and requisitioned from factories. For example, the ANR was apparently
reinforced with 30 C.202s from the Breda factory.
Technical Data and Performance
According to Manuale CA 670/1 (Serie IV-VIM1)
Wing Span
Length
Height
Wing Area
Propeller diameter
Empty Weight
Take-off weight
"Useful load
Max Speed at 5,600m
Climb to 2,000m
Climb to 3,000m
Climb to 4,000m
Climb to 5,000m
Climb to 6,000m
Service ceiling
Range at 430km/h
Engine
Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC 41-1
Take-off power
Power at 3,600m
Technical description
|
m |
m
| 7 28”
3132"
Fuselage was a semi-monocoque shell consisting of four U-section dura-
luminium beams with stringers and 19 ovoidal bulkheads. The first bulkhead
was also a fire wall and the engine mounts were attached to it.
Macchi C.202 31 Development
32 Macchi C.202
The wing was a biconvex airfoil, two spar, three section structure. The
centre section was built integrally with fuselage. This also carried the under-
carriage and main fuel tanks.
The cantilever tail surfaces were elliptical in plan, all metal structure
with fabric-covered movable surfaces. The stabiliser was adjustable in flight.
The fin was also all-metal, and the rudder was metal framework with fabric
covering. The rudder was aerodynamically balanced.
Ailerons, elevator and rudder controls were actuated by push-pull rods,
with adustable stabiliser via cables. Landing flaps were hydraulically
operated. The main landing gear folded inwards and was hydraulically
operated. Equipped with oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers. Tailwheel
was fixed, with a fairing
Fuel system included the main tank in the central fuselage of 270 liters,
and two tanks in the wing roots of 40 litres. There was also was an 80 litres
tank just behind the cockpit. All tanks were self-sealing.
Oil radiator was placed under the nose, and the coolant radiator under
the fuselage. The latter was equipped with variable position, hydraulically
powered flap.
Armament for aircraft produced in series I to V - two synchronised
12.7mm Breda SAFAT machine guns located in engine cowling with 400
rounds per gun.
Starting with Serie VI two 7.7 mm machine guns were added, located in
the wings, with 500 rpg.
Powerplant: 12 cylinder, direct fuel injection Daimler-Benz DB 601 A-1
(bulit in Italy under licence as Alfa Romeo R.A 1000 RC 41 1)
Communication and navigation equipment: HF radio Allocchio-Bacchini
transceiver, direction finder, San Giorgio reflector type gun sight, (introduced
in late production series).
Bibliography
Aer.Macchi 202, Ali d’Ialy 2, La Bancarella Aeronautica, Turin, 1995,
‘Aer Macchi C.202 1941-42, Ali e colori 4, La Bancarella Aeronautica, Turin, 2002.
‘Aer: Macchi MC 202, Monografie Aeronautiche Italiane n. 47-78, Rome, 1983.
D'Amico F., Valentini G., Regia Aeronautica Vol.2, SquadrowSignal Publications, Carolin,
1986.
Di Napoli C, Mancini R, Macchi C.200/202/205, Aero Detail 15, Dai Nippon Kaiga, 1995
DiTerlizzi M., Macchi MC 202 Folgore pt, IBN Eadivore, Rome, 1999,
DiTerlizzi M,, Macchi MC 202 Folgore pil, IBN Editore, Rome, 2000.
Duma A., Quelli del cavalino rapmpante, Edizione del!’Ateneo, Rome, 1981
Genill R., Gorena L., Macchi C.202 in action, Squadrow/Signal Publications, Caroliton,
1980.
Ledwoch J., Macchi C.202, Aero ~ Technika Lotnicza, 2/1991.
Massimello G, Apostolo G.,lalian Aces of World War 2, Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 34, Oxford
2000.
RySM,, Macchi M.C, 202 Folgore, Lotnictwo Wojskowe, 3/2002.
Shores Ch, Regia Aeronautica, Squadron/Signal Publications, Warren, 1976.
‘Skulski P,, Macchi C.202 Folgore, “Pod Lupa’ series n.7, ACE Publication, Wroclaw, 1997. Detail photos
Above: Original wartime colour photo of Macchi C.202 of the 164° Squadriglia, 161° Gruppo Autonomo,
Reggio Calabria airfield, May 1943. Stato Maggiore Aeronautica
Below: Side view of preserved C.202 M.M. 9667, Serie XI at Museo Storico Dell’ Aeronautica Militare
Italiana, Roma, Italy. George Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 33 3/4 Head-on view of the
€.202,
G. Papadimitriou
Portside view of the some
aircraft as above.
Note that different colours
are because of the different
negatives and devoloping
process
W.Luezak
Another C.202, serial
unknown, preserved at
National Air & Space
Museum, Washington DC,
USA.
W.Luczak
34 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Above.
Aircraft from the rear. Portside, forward fuselage.
Both photos
G. Papadimitriou Detail photos
Starboard, forward part of
the fuse
Papadimitriou
Two photos of the Folgore
from the rear.
W.Euczal
G. Papadimitriou -
below
36 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Above:
Fuselage of the C.202 from
=. just below.
¥ ¥ W.uczak
Left:
Rear fuselage ~ starboard
s view. Note the number
M.M.9476 and AS designa-
tion.
Military Model Distributor
via Tauro Model
Central section of the fuselage. Note the radio hatch and the
aerial wire. The Macchi C.202 was fitted with the Allocchio
Bacchini B.35 radio,
G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 37 Detail photos
Above and left:
Three photos of aerial mast and wire.
Alll photos - George Papadimitriou
Right:
The characteristic shape of
the fuselage spine aft of the
cockpit. The openings pro-
vided ventilation and better
visibility
38 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Details of the fuselage near
the radiator.
Fuselage spine aft of the
cockpit ~ port view
Central section of the
fuselage. Note the ground
supply socket and the fuel
system drain pipe.
Alll photos - George
Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 39 Detail photos
Above:
Port, forward part of the
fuselage.
W.Euczak
Fuselage spine aft of the
cockpit. Note the first aid
kit cover
George Papadimitriou
Right and opposite page:
Photos of the fuselage
structure.
Aer. Macchi
40 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Above:
Radiator, from below, rear
view
W.Euczak
Macchi C.202 41 Detail photos
Details of the radiator.
Right - Venturi tube forward
of the radiator.
All photos George
Papadimitriou
42 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Two photos of the radiator sides
W. Euczak
Macchi C.202 43 Detail photos
Engine cowling - port view
George Papadimitriou
44 Macchi C.202 Left:
Port side exhaust pipes.
All photos G. Papadimitriou
Left: Starboard side exhaust pipes
Below: Starboard engine cowling.
Macchi C.202 45 415, h
Top of the page: Details of a Macchi C.202 fuselage
(early series aircraft). Aer.Macchi
Above: Details of the fuselage forward of the cock-
pit. Note the armament bay covers,
Right: Central section of the engine cowling with
cooling vents and the hot air outlet
G. Papadimitriou
46 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Above:
Starboard side exhaust tube
fairing — head-on view.
Above left:
Supercharger air intake with
the dust filter.
Left:
Exhaust tube fairing — head-
on view and (inset) super-
charger air intake ~ head-
‘on view
Port side exhaust tubes.
Alll photos
G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 47 Detail photos
Bottom engine cowling ard
the oil cooler air intake.
Right:
Two photos of the starboard
side exhaust pipes.
Below.
Piaggio P.1001 propeller
blade,
G. Papadimitriou
48 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Above:
Propeller spinner. The
Piaggio P.1001 propeller
had a diameter of 3.050m
G. Papadimitriou
Above
c
Below.
Forward fuselage and Piaggio P.1001 propeller
port side of the cowling. W. Euczak
G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 49 Detail photos
Folgore’s nose from below.
W. Euczak
50 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
This page:
Photos of the oil cooler
All photos
G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 51 Detail photos
Cockpit canopy ~ rear view
Cockpit canopy = port view Detail photos
Windscreen port view
Left:
Windscreen with armoured
gla
G. Papadimitriou
Left and below:
Details of the canopy
W. Euczak
Left: Open cockpit canopy. The
windscreen without armoured
glass panel, absence of the
cockpit air intake in front of
the windscreen and absence of
cooling vents in the armament
bay covers sugest this is an
early series aircraft
Aer.Macchi
Macchi C.202 53 Detail photos
Portside of the Folgore's
canopy
W. Euczak
.202 Folgore instrument
panel. This is a medium
series aircraft (between
series. VII and XI). The
aircraft is fitted with the
old style gunsight, the San
Giorgio type B.
Aer.Macchi
54 Macchi C.202 Ra Rt ae Re aT
a eed
Port side of the cockpit
Payee
Macchi C Pilot's seat.
Aer.Macchi.
56 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Starboard aileron.
Aer.Macchi (left)
and G. Papadimitriou
Port aileron in deflected
position,
G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 57 Detail photos
Structure of the port wing
(early version without
machine guns).
Aer.Macchi
G. Papadimitriou
National marking on the
port wing.
G. Papadimitriou
58 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
i Landing flap.
Aer.Macchi
Pitot tube in the port wing.
G. Papadimitriou
Port wing — bottom view
Military Model Distributor
via Tauro Model
Port wing - upper surface.
W. Luczak
Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Details of the port wing
W. Luczak (3) and G. Papadimitriou (1)
60 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Left:
Tail of the Folgore as seen
from the left.
Below, right:
Port side of the fin.
Below.
Port tailplane. Late style
tail
All photos G. Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 61 Detail photos
Port horizontal tailplane
fillet
G. Papadimitriou
Horizontal stabiliser struc-
ture, drawing from Techni-
cal Manual.
Undersurfaces of the hori-
zontal stabiliser
W.£uczak
62 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Rudder structure, drawing
from the Technical Manual.
Portside of the fin.
G. Papadimitriou
“Cio
PV keog lx
kg.2439
Macchi C.202 63 Detail photos
Starboard view of the fin
showing the stencils.
G. Papadimitriow
Below:
Two photos of the tail.
W. Euczak
64 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Tail navigation light.
G. Papadimitriou
Horizontal elevator struc-
ture.
Aer. Macchi
Starboard side of the tail.
W. Euczak
Macchi C.202 65 Detail photos
General view of the main
undercarriage.
All photos G. Papadimitriou
Right, below:
Details of the starboard
main wheel leg
Below.
Port main wheel leg
66 Macchi C.202 photos
Above, left:
Starboard main wheel leg.
Above:
Port main wheel leg.
Left:
Inner part of the port main wheel leg and cover:
Below:
Main wheel wells,
Alll photos George Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 67 Two photos of the main
undercarriage doors in the
retracted position.
George Papadimitriou
W.Euczak
The main undercarriage leg
and wheel wells
Drawings from the Techni-
cal Manual.
bene REE SéeE
68 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Port main wheel well.
Left:
Starboard main wheel well.
Below, left:
Starboard main wheel well.
Below:
Details of the port main
wheel well.
Alll photos George
Papadimitriou
Macchi C.202 69 Detail photos
Main wheel inner doors in
open position ~ starboard
view.
All photos George
Papadimitriou Starboard wheel well.
70 Macchi C.202 Detail photos
Four photos of tail wheel
George Papadimitriou (2)
W.£uccak (2)
Macchi C.202 71 Detail photos
Details of the machine guns
mounted in the fuselage.
Drawing showing the
machine gun mounted in
the wing,
All drawings from Techni-
cal Manual.
72 Macchi C.202 Colour profiles
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Macchi C.202 73 Colour profiles
€.202, Serie II, M.M. 7711, Macchi. Air-
craft of 378* Squadriglia, 155° Gruppo,
51° Stormo. Gela, August 1942. Verde
Oliva Scuro 2 with patches in Gialo
Mimetico 4 and Bruno Mimetico, Grigio
Azzuro Chiaro — undersurfaces. Engine
cover from different aircraft painted in
Nocciola Chiaro 4 with Verde Oliva
Scuro 4 stripes.
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Macchi C.202 75 Colour profiles
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76 Macchi C.20: €.202, Serie III, M.M. 7720, Macchi,
Aircraft of 84° Squadriglia, 10° Gruppo,
4° Stormo, Personal aircraft of the unit
commander Capt. Franco Lucchinii,
Fuka, October 1942. Aireraft originally
painted in Verde Mimetico 2, but later
with mottles in Nocciola Chiaro 4. Aft
engine cover from different machine. C.202, Serie III, M.M. 7763 (2), Macchi.
Aircraft of 71° Squadriglia, 17° Gruppo,
Ie Stormo. Aircraft in fresh factory
camouflage, Verde Mimetico 4 upper
surfaces and Azzuro Chiaro — under-
surfaces.
78 Macchi C.202 Colour profiles
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saoepinsiaddn z oanounpy apio, yesoury “ZOZ'D Jo adAIOOUg “1YDEWY “892 WW IL AS ‘207°
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Macchi C.202 79 Colour profiles
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Macchi C.202 81 Colour profiles
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€.202, Serie VII, M.M. 9083, Macchi
Aircraft of 153° Gruppo, 54° Stormo.
Personal aircraft of the 153° Gruppo
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