Macchi C.200 Saetta
Macchi · Italy · first flew 1937 · fighter
The Macchi C.200 Saetta (Lightning) was the main Italian single-seat fighter at Italy's entry into World War II in June 1940. A capable but conservative design, it featured an air-cooled radial engine in contrast to the liquid-cooled inline engines preferred by some contemporaries.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian WWII radial-engine fighter with humped cowling
- Open cockpit on early production, enclosed on later marks
- Distinctive broad-chord radial engine cowling
Identified by its large-diameter radial engine with a distinctive humped upper cowling (to clear the engine rocker arms), mid-set tapered wings, and enclosed or open cockpit depending on production batch.
Specifications
- The Macchi C.200 Saetta has a length of 8.25 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.58 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 504 km/h (313 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in December 1937, the C.200 entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1939. It fought in all Italian theatres including the Battle of Britain (in small numbers), North Africa, and the Eastern Front. Though manoeuvrable, it was limited in speed and armament compared to British and later Allied fighters. Mario Castoldi's design was honest and reliable if not exceptional.
Variants
The C.200AS was optimised for desert operations; the C.202 Folgore was a major upgrade with a German Daimler-Benz inline engine, transforming performance.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Regia Aeronautica throughout Italy's participation in WWII from 1940 to 1943; also used in small numbers on the Eastern Front alongside German forces.
Related aircraft
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