The Macchi C.202 Folgore (“Thunderbolt”) was Italy’s premier fighter aircraft of World War II, representing a leap in performance and design over its predecessor, the radial-engined C.200 Saetta.
Designed by Mario Castoldi and powered by a licence-built Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa inline engine (produced locally as the Alfa Romeo RA.1000 RC.41), the Folgore entered service in July 1941 and remained active until 1951.
Development and Deployment
First flight
August 10, 1940.
Production began shortly after, with over 1,150 units built.
Primary operator
Regia Aeronautica (Royal Italian Air Force), with additional use by the Luftwaffe and the Air Force of the Independent State of Croatia.
Design evolution
The C.202 retained the C.200’s airframe but introduced a streamlined fuselage and improved aerodynamics.
It later evolved into the more heavily armed Macchi C.205 Veltro.
Combat Service
North Africa (1941–1943)
The Folgore proved highly manoeuvrable and competitive against Allied fighters like the P-40 and Hurricane.
It was deployed in Libya and Tunisia, often escorting bombers and engaging in dogfights.
Defense of Italy (1943–1944)
After the Axis retreat from Africa, C.202s defended Italian airspace against Allied bombing raids.
Despite limited armament (typically two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns), its agility made it a formidable interceptor.
Post-Armistice (1943 onward)
Following Italy’s surrender, surviving C.202s were used by both the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force (fighting alongside the Allies) and the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (aligned with the Axis).
Technical Legacy
Strengths
Excellent handling, speed, and climb rate.
Pilots praised its responsiveness and stability.
Limitations
Underarmed compared to Allied contemporaries; lacked cannon armament until the C.205 upgrade.
Influence
The Folgore’s success directly informed the design of the C.205 Veltro, which addressed its firepower shortcomings while retaining its aerodynamic strengths.
