Macchi C.205 Regia Aeronautica
The Macchi C.205 entered frontline service with the Regia Aeronautica in February 1943. It quickly proved to be one of Italy’s most capable fighters of the war, excelling in interception and air superiority roles.
Early operations included convoy escort and defensive missions over the Mediterranean, particularly during the fighting around Pantelleria and Tunisia. Following the Armistice, only six C.205Vs were left in the south to join the Co-Belligerent Air Force. All other C.205Vs were in the north and fought with the ANR.
Macchi C.205 Prototypes
Macchi C.205V Veltro
The C.205V Veltro was the main production version.
Macchi C.205N-1/2 Orione
The C.205N Orione was a redesigned Veltro utilizing the DB 605 engine. The C.205N had a lengthened fuselage and extended wings. The N-1 was armed with four 12.7mm machine guns in the forward fuselage with a 20mm cannon firing through the propeller hub. The N-2 had two fuselage 12.7mm machine guns, and three 20mm cannon, two of which were mounted in the wings with the third firing through the propeller hub. The bulges visible in previous models were replaced by a streamlined fairing.
