Switch to full style
This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Post a reply

Italian WWII aircraft, beautiful photos!

Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:11 pm

Is this Fiat still around? http://www.finn.it/regia/immagini/macchi/mc202_usa.jpg

The caption suggests it is at the National Air & Space Museum.

The site is full of more unusual pictures (quality very good) of Italian WWII aircraft. Some of the Italian designs look really good, I particularly like the Fiat G. 50, Mc. 202 and Mc. 205. Also lots of pictures of Stuka's and Bf 109's in Italian service.

Have a look: http://www.finn.it/regia/

Tillerman.

Sat Dec 22, 2007 2:20 pm

Tillerman -

Thanks for posting this. I am finding myself becoming more and more interested in Italian warbirds from WWII (I've always been a fan of the SM.79). Some of the latter models were handsome birds.

Any idea what the significance of the symbol is on the sides of Italian airplanes from WWII? It is round, with what looks like an axe on a blue background.

Thanks,

Mike

Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:42 pm

If you mean the Italian Air Force symbol from WWII (three sticks in a circle), that's a representation of three bundles of 'fasces'. An ancient symbol of absolute power. Benito Mussolini derived the word 'fascism' from it.

http://www.legionxxiv.org/fasces%20page/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascist_symbolism

Tillerman.

Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:30 pm

The plane is actually a Macchi 202..I've always thought it was one of the most attractive fighters of the war. I don't know for sure, but I would assume this is the same aircraft, as it's been displayed in the NASM building on the Mall since the late '70s.

SN

Image

Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:42 am

I just saw it a week ago, it is cool.

Sun Dec 23, 2007 6:48 am

I'm planning to visit the NASM facilities this coming summer. We had a whirlwind (less than two hours) tour of the Mall building on my senior trip in 1982..just enough to wet my appetite. I've been dying to get back ever since!

SN

Sun Dec 23, 2007 9:56 am

Steve...maybe a no brainer, but I took my Dad there a couple of weeks ago on a Tuesday and we practically had the whole place to ourselves! Udvar-Hazy the following day was about the same.

Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:06 pm

Sounds great..we'll probably be there on a Monday (and/or Tuesday/Wednesday!) We're leaving Virginia Beach on Sunday after the IPMS Nationals wrap up, and working our way north. I'd like to get a tour of Garber, but I'm not sure how to go about it.

SN

The other Fiats..

Sun Dec 23, 2007 4:56 pm

How about this Fiat.. http://www.aerotec.com.au/gallery/fiat_rotate.html ?
Post a reply