Fiat CR.42’s flying formation, unit and location unknown, 1941 or 1942. The Fiat biplane – the name “Falco” (Hawk) was suggested by Air Ministry for propaganda’s purposes, but never adopted on the official documents – revealed itself an authentic multipurpose aircraft. In effect in the course of events the CR.42 was employed for many task: interceptor fighter, night fighter, fighter bomber, counter-insurgency, night harassing (by the Germans), glider towing, trainer, liaison (with Co-belligerent Italian Air Force and postwar).

A multipurpose aircraft

Three Italian fighters Macchi MC.202 "Folgore" within the wall shields at dispersal area of an airport of Southern Italy, perhaps Trapani-Milo in Sicily, 1943. Note the absence of anti-sand filter and two different patterns of camouflage. The first plane, right, has a a camouflage type "North Africa", the other a camouflage type "Continental" with the colour green predominant. Victor Sierra

Wall shields

Fiat G.50 “Freccia”(Arrow) of the Italian Regia Aeronautica’s 352nd Squadriglia ready for engine’s start on a desert windblown Libyan airfield. The pilot wearing a leather helmet all white used by many Italian pilots in North Africa. Under the yellow engine cowling the large anti-sand filter. Victor Sierra 