Pacific Coast Models 1/32 Macchi C.205V Serie III Veltro Luca Bossi

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When a more powerful version of the German Daimler Benz became availlable, the last Italian fighters of the war were built. These aircraft were on a par with the best American, British, and German aircraft. The Macchi MC.205 was the first Italian airplane to be powered by the new engine, and it was also the first 'Series 5' aeroplane to see substantial service before the 1943 armistice. The prototype took to the air on April 19, 1942. It was derived from the MC.202. The only apparent difference between the MC.205 and its preedecessor was the engine housing. The MC.205 also had two cyclindrical oil coolers on each side, while the earlier airplane had a single belly radiator. Because of the greater power of the Daimler Benz DB 605 (1,475 hp), the MC.205 was a far better plane than the MC.202. The prototype reached a speed of 407 mph (655 km/h), and it could gain 20,000 ft (6,096 m) in 4 minutes and 52 seconds. The MC.205 was the first Italian fighter to carry 20 mm cannons on the wings, indispensable for bomber interception. This was the first Italian airplane to be as heavily armed as those of other air forces, and with the bigger and more powerful engine, the MC.205 was an extremely manoeuvrable aeroplane, especially at medium and low altitudes. Large-scale production was ordered at once, but production was slowed down by the scarcity of strategic materials and engines. Between October 1942 and September 1943 about 200 aircraft were built. Macchi continued to build the aeroplane even after the 1943 armistice and another 112 aeroplanes were built before the assembly line was put out of commission by Allied bombing raids. All these aircraft were delivered to Mussolini's ANR Republican airforce. The aircraft became operational in 1943 and was used chiefly in the Mediterranean and in Sicily at the time of the Allied invasion. The period of greatest activity, however, was after the 1943 armistice. At this time thirtyy four aircraft were used by the Allies, especially on the Yugoslavian front, while in the north there were 29 Macchi MC.205s in addition to the 112 new ones that were already built. All these aircraft remained in active service until the summer of 1944. A few MC.205s were kept in service after the war. They were assigned to the 5o Gruppo until 1947 and were then reassigned to flying schools, where they remained operational until as late as 1951.

The Model This is the Pacific Coast Models 1/32 Scale Macchi 205 Veltro III^ Serie. The model is a C.205 2^ Squadriglia “Vespa Arrabbiata”, 1° Gruppo, ANR, Campoformido airfield (Udine). “Red 4" was piloted by Ten Robetto. It was one of the last built by Macchi before the two bombings in February and April 1944 which finally stopped production of the C.205 and forced the ANR onto the Messerschmitt. I built this kit with extensive modifications and corrections (see photos) of landing gear and fuselage. Scratch built (in resin) spinner, propeller blades and wheels. Colours and Markings Camouflage consists of standard Macchi metropolitan scheme in "Smoke Ring Verde Scuro Tipo 2" (self made) on standard brown “Nocciola tipo 4” acrylic Italeri 4643AP and tamiya grey xf19. The aircraft does not have the white band in the fuselage because of the new provisions to improve its camo when on the ground. References 1) Ali D'Italia n.27 - Macchi.C. 205 Veltro.- La Bancarella Aeronautica 2) Squadron Signal walkaround Series n. 5558 – Macchi C.205 Veltro 3) Ali e Colori n. 5 - Macchi C.202 e 205 from 43 to 48.- - La Bancarella Aeronautica 4) Classic Pubblication - camouflage an marking of ANR – D’Amico e Valentini

Technical Data Aircraft: Macchi C.205 Serie III Manufacturer: Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A. Type: Fighter Year: 1943 Engine: Damiler Benz DB 605A-1, 12-cylinder V, liquid-cooled 1,475hp Wingspan: 34 ft 8 1/2 in (10.59m) Length: 29 ft 1 in (8.85 m) Height: 10 ft (3.05 m) Weight: 7,120 lb (3,224 kg) (Loaded) Maximum Speed: 403 mph (650 km/h) at 24,300 ft (7,400 m) Ceiling: 37,200 ft (11,350 m) Range: 646 miles (1,040 km) Armament: 2 x 12.7mm (0.5 in) SAFAT machine guns, 3 x 20 mm cannons Crew: 1 Additional Images

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