| Artikelnummer:: | 2519 |
| Menge: | 2 |
The Macchi M.C. 205 Veltro is considered the best Italian fighter of World War II. The evolution of the "Folgore" retained the excellent aeronautical design of its predecessor and was equipped, like other fighters of the "Series 5", with the German Daimler-Benz DB605 engine. The powerful V12 engine, also produced under license by Fiat, allowed the Veltro to reach a maximum speed of 640 km/h. Fast, maneuverable, and well-armed, with 2 × 12.7 mm machine guns in the nose and 2 × 20 mm cannons in the wings, it was capable of fighting on par with the best Allied fighters of the period, such as the American P-51 Mustang. It entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in the early months of 1943. After the armistice of September 8, it was used, until the end of the conflict, by both the flight units of the Italian Social Republic and those of the Co-Belligerent Air Force.
