Italian bombers CRDA Cant-Z-1007bis “Alcione” ready for a night mission likely against Malta from an Italian airfield. Victor Sierra

At nightfall

An Italian fighter Macchi MC.205V “Veltro” warming up the engine in front the mechanics on a Northern Italy airfield, late 1943/early 1944. The plane is a “Veltro” of the ANR-Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana (National Republican Air Force) of the RSI-Repubblica Sociale Italiana established by Mussolini on Autumn 1943. The white square on the engine cowling waiting for the unit’s emblem, likely that of the 1st Gruppo Asso di Bastoni” (Ace of Cubs). Clearly visible on the left wing one of two Mauser 20mm cannons and a parachute standing on the left wing tip: clearly the engine test is without pilot on board, but carried out by a mechanics inside the cockpit. Victor Sierra

Warming up

A Regia Aeronautica’s dive bomber “Picchiatello” view by the gunner’s seat of a same plane during a flight in straight formation likely over North Africa. “Picchiatello” (batty), plural “Picchiatelli”, is the nickname given by the Italian pilots to Junkers Ju 87 Stuka whose some 160 aircraft (Ju 87B, R and D) was delivered by the Luftwaffe to Italian Air Force. Victor Sierra