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Macchi C.200 Saetta

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TheMacchi C.200 Saetta(Italian: "Lightning" ), or MC.200, is afighter aircraftdeveloped and manufactured byAeronautica MacchiinItaly.Various versions were flown by theRegia Aeronautica(Italian Air Force) who used the type throughout theSecond World War.

C.200Saetta
TheNational Museum of the United States Air Force's preserved C.200 in the markings of 372oSquadriglia,Regia Aeronautica.
General information
TypeFighter
ManufacturerAeronautica Macchi
Designer
Primary userRegia Aeronautica
Number built1,151 + 2 Prototypes[1][2]
History
Introduction date1939
First flight24 December 1937
Retired1947
Developed intoMacchi C.202

The C.200 was designed byMario Castoldi,Macchi's lead designer, to serve as a modernmonoplanefighter aircraft, furnished with retractablelanding gearand powered by aradial engine.The C.200 possessed excellent maneuverability, and its general flying characteristics left little to be desired.[3]Its stability in a high-speed dive was exceptional,[4]but it was underpowered and underarmed in comparison to its contemporaries.[5]Early on, there were a number of crashes caused by stability problems, nearly resulting in the grounding of the type; these problems were ultimately addressed via aerodynamic modifications to the wing.

From the time Italy entered the Second World War on 10 June 1940, until the signing of thearmistice of 8 September 1943,the C. 200 flew more operational sorties than any other Italian aircraft. TheSaettasaw operational service inGreece,North Africa,Yugoslavia,across theMediterranean,and in theSoviet Union(where it obtained an excellent kill to loss ratio of 88 to 15).[6][7]The plane's very strong all-metal construction and air-cooled engine made the aircraft ideal for conducting ground attack missions; several units flew it as a fighter-bomber. Over 1,000 aircraft had been constructed by the end of the war.[8]

Development

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Origins

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In early 1935Mario Castoldi,lead designer of Italian aircraft company Macchi, commenced work on a series of design studies for a modernmonoplanefighter aircraft, which was to be furnished with retractablelanding gear.[9]Castoldi had previously designed several racing aircraft that had competed for theSchneider Trophy,including theMacchi M.39,which won the competition in 1926. He had also designed theM.C. 72.From an early stage, the concept aircraft that emerged from these studies became known as theC.200.[9]

In 1936, in the aftermath ofItaly's campaigns in East Africa,an official program was initiated with the aim of completely re-equipping theRegia Aeronauticawith a newinterceptor aircraftof modern design. The 10 February 1936 specifications,[10]formulated and published by theMinistero dell'Aeronatica,called for an aircraft powered by a singleradial engine,which was to be capable of a top speed of 500 km/h (310 mph) and a climb rate of 6,000 meters in 5 minutes.[11]Additional requirements were soon specified: the aircraft was to be capable of being used as an interceptor with a flight endurance time of two hours and armed with a single (later increased to two) 12.7 mm (0.50 in)machine gun.[9]

Prototypes

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In response to the prescribed demand for a modern fighter aircraft, Castoldi submitted a proposal for an aircraft based upon his 1935 design studies.[9]On 24 December 1937, the firstprototype(MM.336) C.200 conducted itsmaiden flightatLonate Pozzolo,Varese,with Macchi chief test pilotGiuseppe Bureiat the controls. Officials within the ministry and Macchi's design team fought over the retention of the characteristic hump used to enhance cockpit visibility; after a protracted argument, the feature was ultimately retained.[9]

The first prototype was followed by the second prototype early the following year. During testing, the aircraft reportedly attained 805 km/h (500 mph) in a dive free of negative tendencies such asflutterand otheraeroelasticissues; although it could achieve only 500 km/h (310 mph) in level flight due to a lack of engine power.[9]Nevertheless, this capability was superior than the performance of the competingFiat G.50 Freccia,Reggiane Re.2000,A.U.T. 18,IMAM Ro.51,andCaproni-Vizzola F.5;of these, the Re.2000 was seen as the most capable of the C.200's rivals, being more maneuverable and capable of greater performance at low altitude but lacking in structural strength.[9]

The C.200 benefitted greatly from preparations that were being made for major expansion of the Italian Air Force, known as Programme R.[9]In 1938, the C.200 was selected as the winner of the tender "Caccia I" (Fighter 1) of theRegia Aeronautica.This choice came in spite of mixed results during flight testing atGuidonia airport;on 11 June 1938, MajorUgo Borgognowarned that when tight turns at beyond 90° were attempted, the aircraft became extremely difficult to control, including a tendency to turn upside down, mostly to the right and entering into a violentflat spin.[12]

Production

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Shortly following the completion of the second prototype, an initial order for 99 production aircraft was placed with Macchi.[9]The G.50, which during the same flight tests held at Guidonia airport had out-turned the Macchi,[12]was also placed in limited production, because it had been determined that the former could be brought into service earlier. The decision, or indecision, involved in producing multiple overlapping types led to greater inefficiencies in both production and in operation.[13]In June 1939, production of the C.200 formally commenced.

The most serious handicap was the low production rate of the type. According to some reports, in excess of 22,000 hours in production time was attributed to the use of antiquated construction technology.[14]A lack of urgency shown by the authorities regarding standardisation was also viewed as having negatively affected mass production efforts, particularly in light of the lack of availability of key resources in Italy at the time.[9]In order to improve the rate of output, the C.200 remained almost unchanged throughout its production life, save for adjustments to the cockpit in response to pilot feedback.[15]

In addition to Macchi, the C.200 was also constructed by Italian aircraft companiesSocietà Italiana Ernesto BredaandSAI Ambrosiniunder asubcontractingarrangement intended to produce 1,200 aircraft between 1939 and 1943.[15]However, during 1940, the termination of all production of the type was considered in response to aerodynamic performance problems that had caused the loss of multiple aircraft; the type was retained after changes were made to the wing to rectify a tendency to go into an uncontrollable spin that could occur during turns.[16]

In an attempt to improve performance, a C.201 prototype was created with a 750 kW (1,010 hp)Fiat A.76engine;[17]work on this prototype was later abandoned in favour of theDaimler-Benz DB 601-poweredC.202.At one point, it was intended that theSaettawas to have been replaced outright by the C.202 after only a single year in production. However, the C.200's service life was extended becauseAlfa Romeoproved to be incapable of producing enough of the RA.1000 (license-built DB 601) engines needed by the newer aircraft. This contributed to the decision to construct further C.200s that used C.202 components as an interim measure while waiting for the production rate of the latter's engine to be increased.

At the beginning of 1940, Denmark was set to place an order for 12 C.200s to replace its agingHawker Nimrodfighters, but the deal fell through whenGermany invaded Denmark.[16][18]A total of 1,153Saettaswere eventually produced, but only 33 remained operational by the timearmistice between Italy and Allied armed forcesin September 1943.[17]

Design

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The Macchi C.200 was a modern all-metalcantileverlow-wingmonoplane,which was equipped with retractablelanding gearand an enclosedcockpit.The fuselage was of semi-monocoqueconstruction, withself-sealing fuel tanksunder the pilot's seat, and in the centre section of the wing.[19]The distinctive "hump" elevated the partially open cockpit to provide the pilot with an unusually wide field of view over the engine.[9][13]The wing had an advanced system whereby thehydraulicallyactuatedflapswere interconnected with theailerons,so that when the flaps were lowered the ailerons drooped as well.[20]As a result of its ultimate load factor of 15.1, it could reach speeds as fast as 800 km/h (500 mph)true airspeedduring dives.[21]

Power was provided by a 650 kW (870 hp)Fiat A.74radial engine,although Castoldi preferredinline engines,and had used them to power all of his previous designs. Under adirettiva(air ministry specification) of 1932, Italian industrial leaders had been instructed to concentrate solely on radial engines for fighters, due to their superior reliability.[22]The A.74 was a re-design of the AmericanPratt & Whitney R-1830 SC-4 Twin Waspby engineersTranquillo ZerbiandAntonio Fessia[it],and was the only Italian-built engine that could provide a level of reliability comparable to Allied designs.[19][23]The licence-built A.74 engine could be problematic. In late spring 1941, 4oStormo's Macchi C.200s, then based inSicily,had all the A.74s produced by theReggianefactory replaced because they were defective. The elite unit had to abort many missions againstMaltadue to engine problems.[24]While some considered the Macchi C.200 to have been underpowered, the air-cooled radial engine provided some pilot protection duringstrafingmissions. Consequently, the C.200 was often used as acacciabombardiere(fighter-bomber).[25]

The C.200 was typically armed with a pair of 12.7 mm (0.50 in)Breda-SAFAT machine guns;[19]while these were often considered to be insufficient, theSaettawas able to compete with contemporary Allied fighters. According to aviation author Gianni Cattaneo, perhaps the greatest weakness of the C.200 was its light machine gun armament.[26]Moreover, a radio was not fitted as standard.

Like other early Italian monoplanes, the C.200 suffered from a dangerous tendency to go into a spin.[27]Early production C.200 aircraft showedautorotationproblems similar to those found in theFiat G.50 Freccia,IMAM Ro.51,and theAeronautica Umbra Trojani AUT.18.At the beginning of 1940, a pair of deadly accidents occurred due to autorotation. Aircraft production and deliveries were halted while theRegia Aeronauticaevaluated the potential for abandoning use of the type, as the skill involved in flying the C.200 was considered to be beyond that of the average pilot.[28]The problem was a product of the profile of the wing. Castoldi soon tested a new profile, but a solution to the autorotation problem was found bySergio Stefanutti,chief designer ofSAI AmbrosiniinPassignano sul Trasimeno,based on studies conducted by German aircraft engineerWilly Messerschmittand the AmericanNational Advisory Committee for Aeronautics(NACA). He redesigned the wing section with a variable, instead of constant, profile,[29]which was achieved by covering parts of the wings with plywood.[12]

The new wing entered production in 1939–1940 at SAI Ambrosini and became standard on the aircraft manufactured by Aermacchi and Breda, a licensed manufacturer.[30]After the modified wing of theSaettawas introduced, the C.200 proved to be, for a time, the foremost Italian fighter. The first production C.200 series, did not have armour fitted to protect the pilots, as a weight-saving measure. Armour plating was incorporated when frontline units were going to replace theSaettaswith the newMacchi C.202Folgore(Thunderbolt) but in only a limited number of aircraft. After the armour was fitted, the aircraft could become difficult to fly. During aerobatic maneuvers, one could enter an extremely difficult-to-controlflat spin,which would force the pilot to bail out. On 22 July 1941,Leonardo Ferrulli,one of the top-scoringRegia Aeronauticapilots, encountered the problem and was forced to bail out over Sicily.[31]

Operational history

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Introduction

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A Macchi C.200 on the ground

In August 1939, about 30 C.200 Saettas were delivered to the 10thGruppoof the 4thStormo,stationed in North Africa.[15]However, pilots of this elite unit of theRegia Aeronauticaopposed the adoption of the C.200, preferring the more manouvrableFiat CR.42instead. Accordingly, the Macchis were then transferred to the 6thGruppoof the 1stStormoin Sicily, who were enthusiastic supporters of the new fighter, and to the 152ndGruppoof the 54thStormoinVergiate.[15]Further units received the type during peacetime, including the 153rdGruppoand the 369thSquadriglia.[32]

When Italy entered the war on 10 June 1940, 144 C.200s were operational, only half of which were serviceable.[9][12]The re-equipment programme, under which the type would have been widely adopted, took longer than expected; and several squadrons were still in the process of being reequipped with the C.200 at the outbreak of war.[16]Although the first 240 aircraft had been fitted with fully enclosed cockpits, the subsequent variants were provided with open cockpits at the request of the Italian pilots, who were familiar with the open cockpits that were commonplace amongst the oldbiplanes.[19]

Service history

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The C.200 played no role in Italy's brief action during theBattle of France.[16]The first C.200s to make their combat debut were those of the 6thGruppo AutonomoC.T. (caccia terrestre,or land-attack fighter) led byTenente Colonnello(Wing Commander) Armando Francois. This squadron was based at the Sicilian airport ofCatania Fontanarossa.ASaettafrom this unit was the first C.200 to be lost in combat when, on 23 June 1940, 14 C.200s (eight from 88aSquadriglia,five from 79aSquadrigliaand one from 81aSquadriglia) that were escorting 10Savoia-Marchetti SM.79sfrom the 11thStormowere intercepted by twoGloster Gladiators.Gladiator No.5519, piloted by Flight Lieutenant George Burges, jumped the bombers but was in turn attacked by a C.200 flown bySergente MaggioreLamberto Molinelli of 71aSquadrigliaover the sea offSliema.The Macchi overshot four or five times the more agile Gladiator which eventually shot down theSaetta.[33]

C.200 in flight

In September 1940, the C.200s of the 6th Gruppo conducted their first offensive operations in support of widerAxisefforts against theMediterraneanisland ofMalta,escortingJunkers Ju 87dive-bombers.[16]On 1 November 1940 the C.200s were credited with their first kill, a BritishSunderland,on a reconnaissance mission, that was sighted and attacked just outsideAugustaby a flight ofSaettason patrol.[34]With the arrival towards the end of December 1940 of XFliegerkorpsin Sicily, the C.200s were assigned escort duty for I/StG.1 and II/StG.2 Ju 87 bombers attacking Malta, as theStukasdid not have adequate fighter cover until the arrival of 7./JG26's Bf 109s.[35]

Soon after, British air power in the theatre was enhanced, especially by the arrival of theHawker Hurricanefighter, which forced a redeployment of Italian forces in response.[16]Although considered to be inferior to the Hurricane in terms of speed, the C.200 had the advantage in terms of manoeuvrability, turn radius, and climb rate.[16]According to aviation author Bill Gunston, the C.200 proved effective against the Hurricane, delivering outstanding dogfight performance without any vices.[36]

While the Hurricane was faster atsea level(450 km/h (280 mph) vs the C.200's 430 km/h (270 mph), theSaettacould reach more than 500 km/h (310 mph) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft), although its speed dropped off at altitude: 490 km/h (300 mph) at 6,000 m (20,000 ft) and 350 km/h (220 mph) at 7,000 m (23,000 ft) with a maximum ceiling of 8,800 m (28,900 ft). Comparative speeds of the Hurricane Mk I were 505 km/h (314 mph) at 5,000 m (16,000 ft) and 528 km/h (328 mph) at 6,000 m (20,000 ft).[37]Over 5,000 m (16,000 ft) and at very low levels, only the huge Vokes (anti-sand) air filter fitted to the "tropical" variants slowed the Hurricane Mk II to Macchi levels. Although the Macchi C.200 was more agile than the Hurricane, it carried a lighter armament than its British adversary.

On 6 February 1941, the 4thStormoreceived C.200s from the 54thStormo.Once the autorotation problems had been resolved, the Macchis were regarded as "very good machines, fast, manoeuvrable and strong" by Italian pilots.[38]After intense training, on 1 April 1941, the 10thGruppo(4thStormo) moved toRonchi dei Legionariairport and started active service.[39]The C.200 subsequently saw action overGreece,Yugoslaviaand the Balkans, frequently engaging in dogfights with British Gladiators and Hurricanes over the Balkans.[12]

Yugoslavia

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A Macchi C.200 Saetta duringWorld War II.(From the private archive of the Riggio family)

C.200s from the 4thStormotook part in operations against Yugoslavia right from the start of hostilities.[40]At dawn on 6 April 1941, four C.200s from 73aSquadrigliaflew overPolaharbour and attacked an oil tanker, setting it on fire. Due to limited air resistance being encountered, sorties flown by the type in this theatre were usually limited to escorting and strafing.[41]

The 4thStormoflew its last mission against Yugoslavia on 14 April 1941: on that day, 20 C.200s from the 10thGruppoflew up to 100 km (62 mi) south ofKarlovacwithout meeting any enemy aircraft. Operations ended on 17 April. During those 11 days, the 4thStormodid not lose a single C.200. Its pilots destroyed a total of 20 seaplanes and flying boats, while damaging a further 10. Additionally, they set on fire an oil tanker, a fuel truck, several other vehicles, and destroyed port installations.[42]

North Africa

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Fitted with dust filters and designatedC.200AS,theSaettasaw extensive use inNorth Africa,greater than any other theatre of war.[41]The Macchi's introduction was not initially well received by pilots; in 1940, the first C.200 unit, the 4thStormo,replaced the type with the C.R.42. The first combat missions were flown as escorts forSavoia-Marchetti SM.79bombers attackingMaltain June 1940, where one C.200 was claimed by a Gladiator. On 11 June 1940, second day of war for Italy, the C.200s of 79aSquadrigliaencountered one of the Sea Gladiators that had been scrambled fromHal Far,Malta. Flying Officer W. J. Wood claimedTenenteGiuseppe Pesola had been shot down, but the Italian pilot came back unscathed to his base.[43]

A formation of Macchi C.200s escorting bombers, probably on a mission toMaltaandTobruk.

During April 1941, the C.200s of the 374thSquadrigliabecame the first unit to be stationed on the North African mainland.[41]Further units, including the 153rdGruppoand the 157thGruppo,were stationed on the mainland as Allied air power in the region increased in capability and numbers, including aircraft such as the Hurricane and theP-40 Warhawk.According to Cattaneo, the C.200 performed well under the conditions of the desert climate, particularly due to its high structural strength and short takeoff run.[41]

On 8 December 1941, Macchi C.200s of the 153rdGruppoengaged Hurricanes from94 Squadron.A dogfight developed, with the commanding officer, Squadron Leader Linnard, attempting to intercept a Macchi attacking a Hurricane. Both aircraft were making steep turns and losing height. But Linnard was too late, and the Macchi, turning inside the Hurricane, had already hit the Hurricane's cockpit area. The stricken aircraft turned over at a low level and dived into the ground, bursting into flames. Its pilot, the New Zealand-born RAF "ace" (six enemy aircraft destroyed and many more probably destroyed) Flight LieutenantOwen Traceywas killed.[12]

North African and Italian-based units were routinely rotated to relieve war-weary crews, aiding the resumption of an Axis offensive in the region during early 1942.[41]During this offensive, which led to Italian and German forces reaching the outskirts ofAlexandria,Egypt,the C.200s were heavily engaged in bomber escort and low-altitude attack operations, while the newer C.202s performed high-altitude air cover duties.[41]

TheNational Museum of the United States Air Force′sSaettacarries the markings of theRegia Aeronautica′s 372aSquadriglia, 153rd Gruppo.

In addition to interceptor duties, C.200s frequently operated as fighter-bombers against both land and naval objectives. The North African theatre was the first in which the type had been intentionally deployed as a fighter-bomber.[44]During September 1942, the type was responsible for sinking the British destroyerSikh,as well as several smaller motor vessels, nearTobruk,duringOperation Agreement,an attempted amphibious assault by Allied forces.[45]

Following the decisive victory byCommonwealthforces atEl Alamein,the C.200 provided cover for the retreating Axis forces, strafing advancing Allied columns and light vehicles.[45]However, operations by the type in the theatre were curtailed around this time by increasing shortages of spares, fuel, and components; losses in the face of numerically superior Allied air power also played a role in the rapid decline of deployable C.200s. During January 1943, many Italian aerial units were withdrawn from North Africa, leaving only a single unit operating the type.[45]Bomb-carrying C.200s were amongst those aircraft used during Axis attempts to resist the Allied occupation of the island ofPantelleria.However, early 1943 marked the end of the C.200's viability as an effective front-line fighter.[45]

Eastern Front

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Main articles:Italian Expeditionary Corps in RussiaandItalian Army in the Soviet Union

In August 1941, the Italian air force command dispatched a single air corps, formed from the22º Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestrewith four squadrons and 51 C.200s to theEastern Frontwith theItalian Expeditionary Corps in Russia;it was the first contribution of the Regia Aeronautica to the campaign.[46]By 12 August 1941, all 51 C.200s had arrived atTudora, Ștefan Vodă,nearOdessa.[45]On 13 August 1941, commanded byMaggioreGiovanni Borzoni and deployed in 359a,362a,369a,and 371aSquadriglia(Flights). On 27 August 1941, C.200s carried out their first operations fromKrivoi Rog,achieving eight aerial victories over Soviet bombers and fighters.[47] For a short time, the 22ndGruppowas subordinated to Luftwaffe V. Fliegerkorps.[48] Subsequently, they took part in the September offensive on theDnieper;and as the offensive continued they operated sporadically from airstrips inZaporozhye,Stalino,Borvenkovo,Voroshilovgrad,Makiivka,Oblivskaja,Millerovo,and their easternmost location,Kantemirovka,moving toZaporozhyelate in October 1941.[49]

Maintaining operations became increasingly difficult as winter took hold, the unit having not been furnished with the necessary equipment for conducting low-temperature operations; accordingly, flying was often impossible throughout November and December.[17]In December 1941, 371aSquadrigliawas transferred to Stalino, but were replaced two days later by 359awith 11 C.200s. On 25 December, the C.200s flew low-level attacks against Soviet troops that had encircled theBlack Shirt LegionTagliamento,at Novo Orlowka; and 359aSquadrigliaintercepted Soviet fighters over Bulawa, shooting down five without loss to themselves. On 28 December, pilots of 359aclaimed nine Soviet aircraft, including sixPolikarpov I-16fighters, in the Timofeyevka and Polskaya area, without loss.[48]According to Cattaneo, during the course of the three-day long 'Christmas battle', a total of 12 Soviet fighters were downed by C.200s with only a single friendly aircraft lost.[17]

During February 1942, weather conditions had improved enough to allow for the resumption of full operations.[17]From February onwards, the C.200 was employed in repeated attacks upon Soviet airfields atLiman,Luskotova, and Leninski Bomdardir. On 4 May 1942, the 22ºGruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestrewas withdrawn from active operation. The unit had flown 68 missions, taking part in 19 air combats and 11 ground attack missions. The 22ºGruppowas credited with 66 enemy destroyed, 16 probables, and 45 damaged and was awarded aMedaglia d'argento al valor militare(Silver Medal for military valor). The group was replaced by the newly formed 21ºGruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre,composed of 356a,361a,382a,and 386aSquadriglia.This unit, commanded byMaggioreEttore Foschini, brought new C.202s and 18 new C.200 fighters. During theSecond Battle of Kharkov(12–30 May) the Italians flew escort for the German bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.[50]

In May, the aircraft's pilots received praise from the commander of theGerman 17th Army,mostly for their daring and effective attacks in theSlavyanskarea.[51]During the German advance in summer 1942, the 21stGruppo Autonomo C.T.transferred toMakiivkaairfield, and then toVoroshilovgradand Oblivskaya.

As time went on, the type was increasingly tasked to escort German aircraft. On 24 July 1942, the unit was shifted toTatsinskaya Airfield,with 24Saettas.Its main task was to provide escort forStukasin theDon Bendarea, where there were few German fighters available.HauptmannFriedrich Lang,Staffelkäpitanof1./StG2reported the Italian escort as "most disappointing". The Saettas proved unable to protect the Stukas from Soviet fighters.[52]On 25 and 26 July 1942, five C.200s were lost in aerial combat.[53]After only three days of action from Tatsinskaya, one-third of the Italian fighters had been shot down.[52]

The following winter, the Soviet counter-offensive resulted in the mass retreat of Axis forces. By early-December 1942, only 32Saettaswere still operating, along with 11 C.202s. However, during the first 18 months of its use on the Eastern front, together with C.202s, the C.200 had claimed an 88 to 15 victory/loss ratio, during which it had performed 1,983 escort missions, 2,557 offensive sweeps, 511 ground support sorties, and 1,310 strafing sorties.[17]

Losses grew in the face of a more aggressive enemy flying newer aircraft. The last major action was on 17 January 1943: 25 C.200s strafed enemy troops in theMillerovoarea. The aviation of theARMIRwas withdrawn on 18 January, bringing 30 C.200 and nine C.202 fighters back to Italy and leaving 15 unserviceable aircraft behind. A total of 66 Italian aircraft had been lost on the Eastern Front – against, according to official figures, 88 victories claimed during 17 months of action in that theatre.[54]

A summary of the Italian expeditionary force operations included 2,557 offensive flights (of which 511 with bombs drops), 1,310 strafing attacks, and 1,938 escort missions, with the loss of 15 C.200s overall. The top-scoring unit was 362aSquadriglia,commanded byCapitanoGermano La Ferla, which claimed 30 Soviet aircraft shot down and 13 destroyed on the ground.[55]

After the armistice

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Following the signing of the armistice, which resulted in Italy's withdrawal from the Axis, only 33 C.200s remained serviceable.[17]Shortly thereafter, 23Saettaswere transferred to Allied airfields in southern Italy, and flown for a short time by pilots of theItalian Co-Belligerent Air Force.In mid-1944, the C.200s of Southern Italy were transferred to the Leverano Fighter School. A lack of spare parts had made maintenance increasingly difficult, but the type continued to be used for advanced training until 1947.[17]A small number of C.200s were also flown by the pro-GermanNational Republican Air Force,based in northern Italy. The latter was only recorded as using the type for a training aircraft but using them for combat operations.[17]

Variants

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TheSaettaunderwent very few modifications during its service life. Aside from the switch to an open canopy, later aircraft were fitted with an upgraded radio and an armoured seat. Some late-productionSaettaswere built with the MC.202SerieVII wing, thus adding two 7.7 mm (0.303 in)Breda-SAFAT machine gunsto the armament. The four (including two proposed) C.200 derivatives were:

M.C. 200 (prototypes)
Two prototypes fitted with the 623 kW (835 hp)Fiat A.74R.C.38 radial piston engine.
M.C. 200
Single-seat interceptor fighter, fighter-bomber aircraft. Production version.
M.C.200bis
Breda-proposed modification with aPiaggio P.XIXR.C.45 engine producing 880 kW (1,180 hp) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft). Converted from an early production C.200. First flight 11 April 1942 fromMilano-Bresso,flown by Luigi Acerbi. The aircraft was then fitted with a larger propeller and a revised engine cowling. Top speed in trials was 535 km/h (332 mph). It did not enter production, as the C.200 had been replaced by more advanced designs.
M.C.200AS
Version adapted to North African Campaign.
M.C.200CB
Fighter-bomber version with 320 kg (710 lb) of bombs or two externalfuel tanks(as fighter escort).
M.C.201
As an answer to a 5 January 1938 request by the Regia Aeronautica for a C.200 replacement, Aermacchi proposed the C.201, which had a revised fuselage, anIsotta FraschiniAstro A.140RC.40 engine (licensed variant of the FrenchGnome-Rhone Mistral MajorGR.14Krs) generating 870 cv (cheval vapeur,or metrichorsepower). But later the choice was for the Fiat A.76 R.C.40 engine with 750 kW (1,010 hp). Two prototypes were ordered. The first flew on 10 August 1940, with the less powerful A.74 engine.[56]Although Macchi estimated a top speed of 550 km/h (340 mph), the prototype was cancelled after Fiat abandoned the troublesome A.76 engine.

Operators

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Germany
Kingdom of Italy
Italy

Specifications (Macchi C.200 early series)

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Macchi C.200 Saetta drawing

Data fromThe Macchi MC.200,[57]The Complete Book of Fighters,[58]Aer. Macchi C.200 Saetta, Aerei militari, Schede tecniche aerei militari italiani e storia degli aviatori[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew:1
  • Length:8.25 m (27 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan:10.58 m (34 ft 9 in)
  • Height:3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area:16.82 m2(181.0 sq ft)
  • Airfoil:root:NACA 23018 (modified);tip:NACA 23009 (modified)[59]
  • Empty weight:1,964 kg (4,330 lb)
  • Gross weight:2,200 kg (4,850 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight:2,395 kg (5,280 lb)
  • Powerplant:1 ×Fiat A.74 R.C.3814-cylinder air-cooledradial engine,650 kW (870 hp) at 2,520 rpm for takeoff
  • Propellers:3-bladed variable-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Maximum speed:504 km/h (313 mph, 272 kn) at 4,500 m (14,800 ft)
  • Stall speed:128 km/h (80 mph, 69 kn)
  • Range:570 km (350 mi, 310 nmi)
  • Service ceiling:8,900 m (29,200 ft)
  • Rate of climb:15.3 m/s (3,010 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude:5,000 m (16,000 ft) in 5 minutes 52 seconds
  • Wing loading:131.7 kg/m2(27.0 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass:0.286 kW/kg (0.174 hp/lb)
  • Take-off run:260 m (850 ft)
  • Landing run:300 m (980 ft)

Armament

  • 2 × 12.7 mm (0.500 in)Breda-SAFATmachine guns, 370 rpg
  • Some aircraft were field-modified to carry up to 8 × 15 kg (33 lb), 2 × 50 kg (110 lb), 2 × 100 kg (220 lb) or 2 × 150 kg (330 lb) bombs under the wings

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Notes

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Citations

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  1. ^ab"Aer. Macchi C.200 Saetta, Aerei militari, Schede tecniche aerei militari italiani e storia degli aviatori".alieuomini.it(in Italian).Retrieved3 May2019.
  2. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 9–10.
  3. ^Munson 1960, p. 34.
  4. ^Spick 1997, p. 116.
  5. ^Ethell 1995, p. 68.
  6. ^De Marchi and Tonizzo 1994, p. 10.
  7. ^Ethell 1995, p. 70.
  8. ^Ethell 1995, p. 69.
  9. ^abcdefghijklCattaneo 1966, p. 3.
  10. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 4.
  11. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 5.
  12. ^abcdefde Marchi 1994,[page needed]
  13. ^abCattaneo 1966, pp. 3–4.
  14. ^Marcon May 2000, pp. 28–38.
  15. ^abcdCattaneo 1966, p. 5.
  16. ^abcdefgCattaneo 1966, p. 6.
  17. ^abcdefghiCattaneo 1966, p. 9.
  18. ^Balsved, Johnny E. (27 January 2006)."History of Danish naval aviation".navalhistory.dk(in English and Danish). Translated by Arvedsen, L.-H. Kongsbak. Copenhagen.Retrieved3 May2019.
  19. ^abcdCattaneo 1966, p. 4.
  20. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 4–5.
  21. ^Palermo 2014, p. 236.
  22. ^Brindley 1973, p. 234.
  23. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 14.
  24. ^Duma 2007, pp. 200–201.
  25. ^Ethell 1996, pp. 68–69.
  26. ^Cattaneo 1968,[page needed]
  27. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 6.
  28. ^de Marchi 1994. Quote: "Sopraggiungono due incidenti mortali per autorotazione che fanno sospendere voli e consegne, si pensa di abbandonare la macchina classificata non pilotabile dalla media dei piloti" (Two fatal accidents occurred due to autorotation that caused suspension of flights and deliveries, prompting consideration of abandoning the use of the aircraft, as it was considered "unflyable" by the average pilot.)
  29. ^Sgarlato 2008, pp. 7–8.
  30. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 8.
  31. ^Duma 2007, p. 201.
  32. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 5–6.
  33. ^Cull and Galea 2008, pp. 46–47.
  34. ^Caruana 1996, p. 166.
  35. ^Caruana 1999, p. 169.
  36. ^Gunston 1988, p. 255.
  37. ^Lembo 2000, p. 26.
  38. ^Duma 2007, p. 188.
  39. ^Duma 2007, p. 190.
  40. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 6–7.
  41. ^abcdefCattaneo 1966, p. 7.
  42. ^Duma 2007, pp. 190–193.
  43. ^Malizia 2006, p. 28.
  44. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 7–8.
  45. ^abcdeCattaneo 1966, p. 8.
  46. ^Neulen 2000, p. 60.
  47. ^Neulen 2000, pp. 60–62.
  48. ^abNeulen 2000, p. 62.
  49. ^Cattaneo 1966, pp. 8–9.
  50. ^Neulen 2000, p. 63.
  51. ^Neulen 2000, pp. 63–64.
  52. ^abBergström-Dikov-Antipov- 2006, p. 57.
  53. ^Neulen 2000, p. 64.
  54. ^Bergström 2007, p. 122.
  55. ^de Marchi 1994, p. 8.
  56. ^Sgarlato 2008, p. 19.
  57. ^Cattaneo 1966, p. 12.
  58. ^Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (1994).The Complete Book of Fighters.London: Salamander. pp. 358–360.ISBN1-85833-777-1.
  59. ^Lednicer, David."The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage".m-selig.ae.illinois.edu.Retrieved16 April2019.

Bibliography

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  • Bergström, Christer – Andrey Dikov – Vlad AntipovBlack Cross Red Star – Air War over the Eastern Front Volume 3 – Everything for Stalingrad.Hamilton MA, Eagle Editions, 2006.ISBN0-9761034-4-3.
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  • Cattaneo, Gianni.The Macchi MC.200 (Aircraft in Profile number 64).London: Profile Publications, 1966. No ISBN.
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