Carl_Brisgamer
08-04-2013, 06:42
My WGS project # 22 for 2013 is another flight of 1/200 AIM miniatures. These three Macchi MC.202 Saetta fighters of the Regia Aeronautica's 79 Squadriglia, 17 Gruppo, 1 Stormo CT based in Catania-Fontanarossa, February 1941.
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The Macchi MC.200 Saetta (Lightning) first flew on 24 December 1937. A cantilever, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction (apart from fabric-covered control surfaces), the Macchi fighter had a retractable tail wheel and an enclosed cockpit. Pilots liked its light controls and all-round manoeuvrability. The design's main weak point was its underpowered 649-kW (870-hp) Fiat A.74 RC.38 radial engine, which bestowed a top speed of just 502 km/h (312 mph) at 4500 m (14,800 ft). Fighter development in the late 1930s moved on rapidly however, resulting in aircraft like the Bf 109 and Spitfire. They were powered by in-line, liquid-cooled engines that offered more power and greater streamlining and thus much higher speeds.
102311
102312
The MC.200's armament of two machine-guns was also inadequate - even when it was doubled to four in later aircraft. Introduced into service with the Regia Aeronautica in October 1939, Saettas numbered 150 when Italy entered World War II in June 1940. Their first combat came in autumn, when Saettas escorted bombers attacking Malta. The MC.202 also saw action over Greece and Yugoslavia, North Africa as well as the Eastern Front during 1941-42.
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Unofficial WGS stats for Macchi MC.200 Saetta:
Manouver Deck: K (502 kph)
Damage Points: 16
Firepower: AB/B (2 x 7.7mm, 2 x 12.7mm)
Climb Rate: 3 (16.3 m/s)
Max Altitude: 10 (8900 metres)
102315
102316
The Macchi MC.200 Saetta (Lightning) first flew on 24 December 1937. A cantilever, low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction (apart from fabric-covered control surfaces), the Macchi fighter had a retractable tail wheel and an enclosed cockpit. Pilots liked its light controls and all-round manoeuvrability. The design's main weak point was its underpowered 649-kW (870-hp) Fiat A.74 RC.38 radial engine, which bestowed a top speed of just 502 km/h (312 mph) at 4500 m (14,800 ft). Fighter development in the late 1930s moved on rapidly however, resulting in aircraft like the Bf 109 and Spitfire. They were powered by in-line, liquid-cooled engines that offered more power and greater streamlining and thus much higher speeds.
102311
102312
The MC.200's armament of two machine-guns was also inadequate - even when it was doubled to four in later aircraft. Introduced into service with the Regia Aeronautica in October 1939, Saettas numbered 150 when Italy entered World War II in June 1940. Their first combat came in autumn, when Saettas escorted bombers attacking Malta. The MC.202 also saw action over Greece and Yugoslavia, North Africa as well as the Eastern Front during 1941-42.
102313
102314
Unofficial WGS stats for Macchi MC.200 Saetta:
Manouver Deck: K (502 kph)
Damage Points: 16
Firepower: AB/B (2 x 7.7mm, 2 x 12.7mm)
Climb Rate: 3 (16.3 m/s)
Max Altitude: 10 (8900 metres)