Italian resistance movement

The second prototype, MC.205N-2 MM500, of the Macchi MC.205 “Orione” which flew at Lonate Pozzolo, pilot Guido Carestiato, on 19 May 1943 and soon after transferred at Guidonia for test. The N-2 was armed with three Mauser 20mm cannon, one firing through the propeller hub and two on the wing, plus two 12,7 machine guns over the engine cowling. During the test at Guidonia the “Orione”, both N-1 and N-2, was judged slightly faster but less handy of the Fiat G.55 and of the Reggiane Re.2005. However the Air Ministry on 25 January 1943 requested 1,200 MC.205N-2 (600 to Breda and 600 to Macchi), but on March 1943 both the orders, because the war developments which urged aircraft quickly available, was cancelled and replaced by a purchase of a similar numbers of MC.205V. The fate of the two “Orione” is unclear. According some sources the N-1 was destroyed by an air raid over Guidonia, while the N-2 disappeared, probably scrapped, during the frantic events after the Armistice of the Italy (8 September 1943). The new about a transfer of the N-2 in Germany is unfounded. Victor Sierra

“Orione” Number Two

The waist emplacements of the two 7.7 Breda-Safat machine guns in the fuselage of a recce seaplane Fiat RS.14. Note the ammunitions belts linked to the fuselage’s roof and the aluminium containers for the spent belt and cases. Victor Sierra