|
|
The Veltro was basically a Folgore powered by a 931kW Fiat R.A.1050 RC.58 Tifone engine - a licence-built Daimler-Benz DB.605. First flown as a prototype on 19 April 1942, production aircraft entered service in the following year but saw little action before the Italian surrender to the Allies. Armament comprised two 20mm cannon and two 12.7mm machine-guns, plus bombs if required. Maximum level speed was 642km/h.
 | A three-view drawing (1633 x 1163) |
Ronald, toolkeeper123(@)adelphia.net, 05.09.2008
This was the solution to the underpowered and under-gunned Macchi C 202. Now it had the power of maneuver it lacked before. Macchis were always sturdy and could dive in the 500 mph class. Now it had the firepower as well as survivability.
Allied pilots who flew it liked it's handling and considered it a good match for the best Allied fighters at medium altitudes. Foes that mistook it for the earlier Folgore were in for an unpleasant surprise! The only apparent difference was the twin chin scoops instead of one. Oh, and those long 20mm Mausers in the wings of course. Why it omitted a 3rd cannon in the nose like it's rivals had - I can only guess - was to save weight when 2 were adequate. Who knows? Maybe Macchis were aimed more at dogfighting agility than stopping bombers. More Breda 12.7mm MG ammo 370-400 rpg in the cowl? Only the Fw 190 had more Hvy MG ammo in the cowl. With the Breda's synchronized rate of fire at 575 rpm each, firing time lasted longer. Though looked down upon because of it's light hitting power, it was at least reliable and for a browning dirived gun it was fast (compare 300 rpm for each of the P-39's synchronized .50 caliber cowl guns). The Japanese Tony was likely so named in referrence to this Italian Macchi fighter since only it has the same gun arrangement (but just about half the ammo).
Brian, brian-parmis(@)sbcglobal.net, 17.04.2008
I am in need of a accurate 3 view drawing of the Macchi 205 with sectionals of the fuse.
Brian
edik154, 18.07.2007
You can see it in "Museo Storico dell'Aeronautica Militare", Vigna di Valle - Rome).
|
|
Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
|
| |
