Italian fighter Macchi MC 200 Serie XXI Italeri-2767

Description

Designed by renowned engineer Mario Castoldi, the Macchi MC 200 marked a significant evolution in Italian fighter aircraft manufacturing. Unlike the Fiat CR 32 and Fiat CR 42 biplanes, which still formed the backbone of Italian fighter units at the beginning of World War II, the Macchi MC 200, along with its contemporary the Fiat G50, was characterized by a monoplane configuration and an all-metal structure. Equipped with a 14-cylinder Fiat A.74 radial engine. RC 38 twin-star, capable of generating 840 horsepower, allowed the Macchi MC 200 to reach speeds of up to 500 km/h (310 mph). However, compared to the corresponding allied fighters, the Macchi MC 200 was less powerful and, above all, poorly armed. Its armament consisted of only two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted on the distinctive bulging engine cover. In the latest versions, two 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns were added to the wings. This aircraft was employed by the Regia Aeronautica on the main fronts of World War II, including Africa, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Russia. The Italeri model contains photoengravings.