Top 10: Highest Ranked Italian Aircraft During World War 2

Italian forces in the Second World War have often been underestimated by both enemies and allies, yet their air force, the Regia Aeronautica, showcased remarkable aircraft that rarely get the recognition they deserve. Coming off a successful stint in the Spanish Civil War, Italian planes entered the war with advanced designs, though industrial limitations often held them back. Here is a subjective ranking of ten notable Italian aircraft from that era.

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

The Fiat G.50, designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli, was Italys first monoplane fighter with a retractable undercarriage and initially an enclosed cockpit, which was quickly removed due to operational impracticality. Interestingly, the aircraft achieved an extraordinary 33:1 kill-loss ratio, but this was with the Finnish Air Force rather than Italy. Finnish pilots flying 33 G.50s during the Continuation War shot down 99 Soviet planes at the cost of just three of their own. However, the open cockpit made it uncomfortable in cold conditions.

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

Introduced in 1934, the SM.79 became one of Italy's most enduring aircraft. Originally a record-setting civilian plane, it excelled in the Spanish Civil War and later became the Axis premier torpedo bomber. With remarkable speed, durability, and reliability, it sank multiple Allied ships, including damaging HMS Nelson, with its peak year being 1941 when 87 attacks led to nine ships sunk and 12 damaged.

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

The CR.42 biplane, a continuation of designer Celestino Rosatelli's successful line of biplanes, was outdated in concept but highly effective in its operational niche. It performed well over North Africa, Malta, and Greece, destroying 162 aircraft for the loss of 29. With over 1,800 built, it was Italy's most widely produced wartime fighter biplane.

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

The MC.200, deriving from Macchis racing seaplane lineage, was powered by a reliable Fiat A74 radial engine and initially had an enclosed cockpit, later removed. Entering service in 1939, it was highly maneuverable, outperforming the P-40 and Hurricane in North Africa, and played a significant role on the Eastern Front, downing 88 Soviet planes for 15 losses.

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

This versatile trimotor floatplane, later adapted to land operations as the Z.1007 Alcione, combined wooden construction with remarkable durability. It conducted maritime patrols, torpedo attacks, reconnaissance, and transport duties. Notably, a Z.506B was famously hijacked by British POWs who flew it to Malta in 1942.

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

The MC.205V, evolving from the MC.200 and MC.202, paired excellent handling with a Fiat-built Daimler-Benz DB.605 engine and was well armed with two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns. Considered one of Italy's finest fighters, it delivered exceptional performance and was highly praised by both pilots and British test observers.

4. Piaggio P.108

The P.108B heavy bomber stood out among Axis strategic bombers, offering speed just under 300 mph, a bomb load between the Lancaster and B-17, and advanced defensive armament. Only produced in small numbers, its robust airframe and firepower made it formidable, though Italian industrial limits curtailed wider deployment.

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

The Re.2005, developed from the Re.2001 Falco II, was powered by the DB 605 engine and represented one of Italys most powerful fighters. Despite its potential, only 54 were produced due to industrial constraints. British pilots acknowledged its capability, noting it could have challenged Spitfires effectively during the Sicily campaign.

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

The G.55 is widely regarded as Italy's best WWII fighter. Armed with three 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, it could confront both fighters and heavy bombers. German experts praised it, though slow production limited its impact. Around 274 were built, equipping four frontline Italian squadrons and occasionally flown by German pilots.

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

The SM.82 was the most important Italian transport aircraft, serving extensively throughout the war and even after 1943 with both Allies and Germans. Capable of carrying up to 4,000 kg of bombs or transporting aircraft and supplies, it completed long-range missions such as raids on Bahrain, highlighting its remarkable endurance and versatility.

Author: Lucas Grant