Line up of Italian Regia Aeronautica’s MC.200s of 92nd Squadriglia with the yellow engine cowling typical of Italian aircrafts employed on Balkans. Victor Sierra

MC.200s in color

Emergency landing with wheels up of an Italian fighter Macchi MC.200 “Saetta” of 371st Squadriglia, 152nd Gruppo, 54th Stormo on the last time before the Italian declaration of war (10 June 1940). At this time the 54th Stormo were based on Northern Italy, at Airasca, near Turin. The plane is perhaps one of the MC.200 First Series with enclosed cockpit and sliding canopy switched to 54th Stormo after their refusal by 4st Stormo, which preferred the biplane CR.42 judged most reliable. Likely this photo was taken just after the transfer from 4th to 54th Stormo. In effect the plane has a white triangle on the fuselage perhaps waiting for the unit’s emblem. Last note: the running soldier on the left is a Bersagliere on ordinary dress. Victor Sierra

Emergency landing

A Regia Aeronautica’s Macchi MC.200 “Saetta” reading for take-off from an Italian airfield, perhaps on Sicily. Strange the person over the wing near the pilot: on civilian clothes, but with a flight helmet. Victor Sierra