The Macchi MC. 205V was first introduced into RA service in May 1943 and was the final version of the Macchi series aircraft of WWII which had begun with the development of the Macchi MC. 200. The MC. 205 was part of the Series 5 program, a program begun by the RA to update its current crop of frontline fighters with the powerful DB. 605A engine built under licence in Italy. The new engine generated approximately 1475hp at takeoff and gave the MC.205V (Veltro) a top speed of 404mph @ 22,555ft. The Series 5 aircraft which included the Fiat G.55 and the Regianne Re.2005 were heavily armed with multiple 20mm cannons for bomber interception duty. Like all Macchi aircraft, the Veltro enjoyed excellent manueverability and climb rate and was rated by many allied pilots as a very difficult opponent in a dog fight and was equivalent to the Spitfire Mk. IX and superior in many aspects to the Bf. 109G6 which incorporated the same engine. Although the Macchi MC. 205 was the most numerous of the Series 5 aircraft only 272 reached combat service with the RA and ANR with production continuing until 1944.
This is the 1/48 scale Hasegawa MC. 205V Serie III and is painted in the color and camoflauge scheme adopted by the ANR which followed closely the German schemes of the period using RLM 74/75 over RLM 76 with RLM 75 mottles on the fuselage sides. The cockpit interior and the wheel wells were painted Verde Anticorrosione FS 34272. Polly Scale Acrylics were used for all paints. Aeromaster decals were used for decals.
The aircaft depicted is Red 18, 1a Sq., 1o Stormo ANR operating in Northern Italy in 1944. Red 18 was the personal mount of Italian Ace Adriano Visconti who had claimed 14 aerial victories (some sources state 10 confirmed victories) with the RA and the ANR and many more shared and destroyed on the ground and is by far the most reconized Italian Ace of WWII.
Technical Data:
Aircraft: Macchi C.205
Manufacturer: Aeronautica Macchi S.p.A.
Type: Fighter
Year: 1943
Engine: Daimler Benz DB 605A, 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 12.7 mm SAFATs (0.5 in), 2 20mm cannons
Crew: 1
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