Macchi MC.202 “Folgore” of the Regia Aeronautica’s 153rd Gruppo in flight over the Sicily, Summer 1942. Victor Sierra

The "Folgore"

Right landing gear failure of a Fiat CR.42AS/BA (Africa Settentrionale/Bombe Alari, AS for North Africa, BA for Wing Bombs) on an unidentified Italian mainland. Well visible under the left wing the rack for a 50 or 100 kg bomb and under engine cowling the anti-sand filter. The AS/BA was the CR.42 with anti-sand filter modified for transport of two bombs employed with same success in North Africa and Mediterranean and during the last battles in Sicily against the Allied forces. Victor Sierra

Landing gear failure

Gorizia airfield, North-East Italy, Autumn 1941: the first Macchi MC.202 “Folgore” just delivered to 4th Stormo’s IX Gruppo, Italian Air Force. Notice the plane in foreground with cowling removed for engine inspection and test. All the airplane, without anti-sand filter, have the “continental” camouflage. Victor Sierra