Italy had several issues when it came to providing sufficient equipment for its military during WWII. Frankly, it 'bit off more than it could chew' when it came to entering the conflict. This was endemic throughout its military and was particularly the case with aviation. Their factories were not capable of the sort of production that was needed. Its aircraft were generally under gunned. Finally, they were unable to produce the high powered engines needed to keep up with the Allies.

The engine situation was somewhat ameliorated by first the import and then the license production of German Daimler Benz engines. Initially it was the DB.601 and later the DB.605. In reference to the latter, The three major fighter manufacturers, Macchi, Reggiane, and Fiat produced prototypes based on this engine. The Macchi was simply an up-engined C.202. The Reggiane plane was an upgraded Re.2001 that used some of the airframe sections, while the Fiat was an all new airframe. All three of them were excellent fighters, with the Fiat being a bit better all around.

All three went into production. All three saw limited use prior to the Italian Armistice. The Fiat had most of its manufacture later in the war and post war. The basic type saw service with Syria, Egypt, and Argentina. After the DB.605s were used up, a Merlin was substituted and these saw Italian service as advanced trainers. The extant Fiat G.55 is one of these Merlin powered planes that had a 605 reinstalled.

 The book provides the development story of the aircraft along with a fairly comprehensive combat history. There are several pages of full color profiles, all based on photographs. There is also an extensive technical description using period photos and images from technical manuals. Included are detail photos of the one extant aircraft as well as plans of the different series. In all, a great book and a welcome companion to the volume on the radial engine Reggiane aircraft. Highly recommended.

July 2026

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