Macchi Mc202 "Folgore" Fighter

The Folgore was a development of the M.C.200, redesigned to use a copy of the Daimler-Benz DB601A liquid-cooled inverted V-12 engine. The M.C.202 was still underarmed, but it was superior to the Hurricanes and P-40’s the allied were using in 1941 in the Mediterranean. It could hold it’s own against the Spitfire in combat manouevers, however, it was easily outgunned by the Spitfire. This made a significant difference to the outcome of dog fights. About 1200 were built.

Technical Details
The Folgore was first powered by the 1175hp Alfa Romeo RA1000 RC41-I, it proved to be dissappointing and so the Daimler-Benz DB601A liquid-cooled inverted V-12 engine was imported to replace it. The speed with the Alfa Romeo engine was 595km/h, with a ceiling of 11000m and a range of 760km. It was under armed with two 12.7mm machine guns and two 7.7mm machine guns. This at a time when the Allies were putting up to eight 0.50 in. machine guns and 20 mm cannons on their Spitfires and Hurricanes. It had the capability of carrying two 160kg bombs.

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Image From:
Mauro De Vita, Bergamo, Italy. With his permission.