In pretty much all regards, Italy was not prepared for WWII. While they had no problem in colonial wars, going up against the technical capabilities of the Allies was really more than they anticipated. This was true in all aspects of Italian weaponry from guns, to ships, to aircraft.

The Italians designed superb airframes, however, until very late in their part of the war, these aircraft were lacking in engine power and armament. The addition of German engines helped to create some very good aircraft that were on a par with those of Allied nations, but the Italian manufacturing base simply could not keep up with the demand. The fact that later in their war, the Allies bombed their factories certainly did not help things.

This book concentrates on the principle Macchi fighter of the time. The MC.200 was a fine airframe but hampered by a low powered Fiat radial engine and machine gun calibre guns. It also did not have enough of them. The plane was quite maneuverable and in the hands of a good pilot was able to hold its own in the early days of the war. However, its light weight of fire meant that it had difficulty shooting down the enemy and it certainly did not have the speed to break combat at will.

This changed for the better with the adoption of the license built DB 601 engine. This power plant compained with the MC.200 airframe, brought a new lease of life to the Italian Air Force. Of course, nothing is static in war and soon even the MC.202 was outclassed. Again, increasing engine power with the DB.605, provided a superb fighter. The MC.205 also added canon armament to all versions and provided the fighter that was needed. However, by the time it saw combat, it was a case of too little, too late. Even post Armistice production in Northern Italy was not enough to supply what was needed.

This book covers the development of all three of these aircraft as well as provides a history of the operations of these aircraft. As you'd expect, there are quite a few pilot accounts to provide additional interest. Each airframe type is provided a technical description along with detail photos. In addition to the Reggia Aeronautica's operation of the plane, the post-Armistice Co-belligerent AF and the ANR's operations are included. There are even smaller sections on other armed forces uses of the aircraft including post war Egyptian use.

But what makes this stand out above the others is not only the research put into it, but the superb period photos. Many of these period images are in color as the Italians took quite a lot of color photos. In addition, there is a rather extensive colors and markings section that includes dozens of large color profiles, enough to please any modeler or enthusiast. In all, it makes a great addition to the growing line of Classic Books' titles. Highly recommended.

The Volksjaeger project was an attempt to provide a practical jet aircraft that could be flown by minimally trained pilots. It was program of desperation on one hand and a program of ingenuity on the other. Designed and flown in a period of months, the aircraft was developed to make maximum use of non-strategic materials (as in wood). With several aircraft manufacturers submitting plans, it was the Heinkel entry that got the green light.

The result was a tricycle landing gear aircraft powered by a single BMW 003 axial flow turbojet mounted on the upper fuselage just behind the cockpit. While perhaps not the ideal location for the engine, it was pretty much the only place it could be mounted and keep the size of the airframe small. Armament was either two 20mm or two 30mm canon. Entering service in the last month of the war, the aircraft had no confirmed victories as the war ended before it was able to prove its worth.

Though a great number were built or nearing completion, the lack of fuel as well as not having a really safe place from which to operate the type made the aircraft more of a footnote in history, unlike its much more successful older brother the Me-262. Because so many were captured at the end of the war, there have been quite a few survivors in various museums.

The authors of this book are renowned experts in the field of Luftwaffe aircraft in general and have provided a very complete history of the type. This includes the initial designs, the development of the aircraft and its complete operational record. Add to it a plethora of period photos, the usual nicely done color profiles scattered throughout the book and a complete reference section and you have a history of the type that will probably never be surpassed. This is the second printing of the book and is one that no enthusiast should be without. Most highly recommended. r you. Highly recommended.

February 2024

Review book courtesy of Casemate Publishers. Get yours today at this link. 

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