Pre-flight check by an Italian fighter pilot, aided by his aircraftman, seated on the his Macchi MC.202 Folgore’s cockpit. In evidence, on front to pilot, the armored glass windscreen and, over the instrument panel the San Giorgio gun sight. In back of the pilot the armor plate, part of the pilot’s protection. Victor Sierra

Folgore’s pilot

The red baby elephant, the insignia of 10th Gruppo’s 90th Squadriglia, of the Italian Regia Aeronautica, on the engine cowling of a Macchi MC.202 “Folgore” of this unit, Libya 1942. The red is also the color of the propeller’s tip. Note the large anti-sand filter and the typical “African” camouflage. Victor Sierra

With a red baby elephant on the nose

Refueling and servicing of an Italian fighter Macchi MC.202 Folgore (Lightning) fighter at Abu Haggag, Egypt, Summer 1942. The number 75 on the fuselage indicate an aircraft of the 75th Squadriglia, unit of 23rd Gruppo of the 3rd Wing. The pilot of this plane, note his Salvator parachute on the left stabilizer, was the Capt. Mario Pinna was credited with five individual victories plus four shared. Victor Sierra