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

“Picchiatelli”

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

At nightfall

A Regia Aeronautica’s Macchi MC.202 seemingly in good conditions just after the armistice of Italy with the Allies on a Southern Italy’s airport, September 1943. In foreground the wreck of a Luftwaffe’s Fieseler Fi 156 Storch. Many Italian aircraft abandoned in Sicily and Southern Italy was salvaged, brought to flight conditions and finally reintegrated into active duties in the fleet of the co-belligerent Regia Aeronautica. Victor Sierra

