Top 10: Лучшие итальянские самолеты Второй мировой войны

The Italian armed forces of World War II often faced ridicule from their enemies and condescension from their primary ally, leaving their contributions largely overlooked. The Regia Aeronautica entered the conflict following notable success in the Spanish Civil War, where Italian planes demonstrated world-class performance. Italian aircraft designs of the era were frequently innovative, though constrained by limited industrial capacity. Below is a subjective list of ten notable Italian aircraft that left their mark during the war.

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

Designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli, the Fiat G.50 was Italys first monoplane fighter with a retractable undercarriage and initially an enclosed cockpit, which was quickly abandoned due to practical issues rather than pilot conservatism. Remarkably, the G.50 achieved an extraordinary 33:1 kill-to-loss ratio while in service with the Finnish Air Force during the Winter War and the Continuation War. Finnish pilots, however, still preferred other fighters due to the uncomfortable open cockpit in cold conditions.

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

First flying in 1934, the SM.79 was a durable and reliable trimotor bomber. It became highly effective in the Spanish Civil War and continued to serve as a potent torpedo bomber during World War II. SM.79s were instrumental in sinking Allied ships, including the HMS Nelson, and recorded significant success in 1941 with torpedo attacks on enemy vessels.

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

The CR.42, a biplane fighter, was designed by Celestino Rosatelli and built in large numbers. Despite its outdated design, it proved highly maneuverable and effective in North Africa and the invasion of Greece, destroying 162 enemy aircraft for the loss of 29 of its own. It remains one of the most successful biplane fighters of the war.

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

The MC.200 was a compact, radial-engine fighter derived from Italys seaplane racing heritage. Entering service in 1939, it became the most widely used Italian fighter, performing exceptionally in North Africa and the Eastern Front. It could outmaneuver the P-40 and Hurricane and even scored notable successes against Allied naval targets.

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

A versatile trimotor seaplane capable of land operations, the Z.506B excelled in maritime patrol, torpedo attacks, and transport duties. Despite its wooden construction, it operated reliably in rough seas and achieved fame for a remarkable wartime escape when British POWs hijacked the aircraft and flew it to Malta.

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

The MC.205V represented the peak of the Macchi fighter series, combining the DB.605 engine with the handling excellence of the MC.202. Armed with two 20-mm cannons and two 12.7-mm machine guns, it matched or exceeded contemporary Allied fighters. Pilots such as Luigi Gorrini and Adriano Visconti achieved significant victories flying the Veltro.

4: Piaggio P.108

Italys only heavy bomber produced in meaningful numbers, the Piaggio P.108 was a robust and fast aircraft capable of carrying a substantial bombload. It featured advanced defensive armament, including remotely operated turrets, and compared favorably to contemporary Allied heavy bombers, although production was limited.

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

The Re.2005 was a high-performance fighter powered by the Fiat-built DB.605 engine. Despite limited production due to Italys industrial constraints, it was a formidable adversary to Allied aircraft, with excellent handling and combat capabilities recognized even by British pilots.

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

The Fiat G.55 was widely regarded as the best Italian fighter of the war, praised by German experts including Kurt Tank. Equipped with three 20-mm cannons and two 12.7-mm machine guns, it was capable of taking on Allied bombers effectively. Only 274 were built, but it served in frontline squadrons with impressive results.

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

The SM.82 was the most versatile Italian aircraft of the conflict, serving as a transport, bomber, and supply plane. Its sturdy construction and impressive payload allowed it to operate in demanding conditions. It performed long-range missions, including notable raids on Bahrain, and remained in service with the Italian Air Force into the early 1960s.

Author: Aiden Foster