Top 10: Highest-Rated Italian Aircraft from World War 2

Italian military aviation in the Second World War has often been underestimated, overshadowed by its major allies and dismissed by opponents. Yet the Regia Aeronautica entered the conflict with experience gained from the Spanish Civil War, where Italian planes had already proven themselves among the finest of the era. Italian designs were frequently innovative, though industrial limitations often held them back. Here is a subjective ranking of ten notable Italian aircraft from the period.

10: Fiat G.50 Freccia ("Arrow")

Designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli, the Fiat G.50 was Italy's first monoplane fighter, featuring innovations like retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit. The canopy was soon removed, not due to conservative pilots but because it was impractical to open mid-flight. Interestingly, the aircraft achieved a remarkable 33-to-1 kill-loss ratiobut only in Finnish service. Operating 33 G.50s from the end of the Winter War through 1944, Finnish pilots shot down 99 Soviet planes for the loss of three. Despite this, pilots often preferred other fighters, as the open cockpit was uncomfortable in cold climates.

9: Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 Sparviero ("Sparrowhawk")

First flown in 1934, the SM.79 survived decades of service. Initially a record-setting aircraft, it excelled in the Spanish Civil War and later became the Axis' most effective torpedo bomber. Its sturdy construction and reliability were its hallmarks. In World War II, the SM.79 sank significant Allied shipping, including damaging HMS Nelson. In 1941 alone, 87 torpedo attacks resulted in nine ships sunk and twelve damaged.

8: Fiat CR.42 Falco ("Falcon")

The CR.42 was a biplane fighter operating successfully in North Africa, Malta, and Greece. Though seemingly outdated, it could challenge the Hawker Hurricane when piloted well. Over Greece, CR.42s were credited with destroying 162 enemy aircraft at the cost of 29. Built in large numbersover 1,800the CR.42 proved more capable than its design suggested, making it one of the best biplanes of the war.

7: Macchi MC.200 Saetta ("Lightning")

Derived from Italys Schneider Trophy seaplane lineage, the MC.200 was powered by the reliable Fiat A74 radial engine. Initially featuring an enclosed cockpit, this was quickly removed. Entering service in 1939, it became one of the top operational fighters of its time. In North Africa, it outmaneuvered both the P-40 and Hurricane, while bomb-armed versions sank HMS Sikh in 1942. On the Eastern Front, it achieved 88 kills against 15 losses.

6: CANT Z.506B Airone ("Heron")

A versatile trimotor seaplane that could also operate from land, the Z.506B excelled in maritime patrol, torpedo attacks, reconnaissance, and transport. Despite a primarily wooden structure, it handled rough seas remarkably well. Its most famous incident involved a daring POW hijacking in 1942, when British airmen seized the plane mid-flight and escaped to Malta.

5: Macchi MC.205V Veltro ("Greyhound")

The MC.205V was an evolution of the MC.202 Folgore, combining excellent handling with the powerful Daimler-Benz DB.605 engine. Armed with two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, it was one of Italy's most capable fighters. Pilots praised its agility and performance, and it became home to Italys top-scoring aces, including Luigi Gorrini and Adriano Visconti.

4: Piaggio P.108

Italys only large strategic bomber produced in significant numbers, the P.108B was comparable to contemporary Allied heavy bombers. It could reach speeds of nearly 300 mph, carry a substantial bombload, and featured advanced defensive armaments, including remote-controlled turrets. Despite its heavy construction, the aircraft was admired for its strength and crew confidence.

3: Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario ("Archer")

The Re.2005, powered by the Fiat-built DB 605 engine, represented the peak of Italian fighter design. Produced in small numbers due to industrial limitations, it proved formidable in combat, capable of challenging British Spitfires. Its sophisticated construction made it expensive and time-consuming to build, but it was highly effective when deployed.

2: Fiat G.55 Centauro ("Centaur")

Regarded as the best Italian fighter of the war, the G.55 earned praise even from German experts. Equipped with three 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm machine guns, it could down American heavy bombers. Production was limited to 274 units due to the long build time compared to the Bf 109. It formed the backbone of several ANR frontline squadrons and was occasionally flown by German pilots.

1: Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Kanguru ("Kangaroo")

The SM.82 was Italys most practical transport aircraft of the war, serving both Axis and Allied forces after 1943. It could carry up to 4,000 kg of bombs when required and had a robust construction combining steel, plywood, and fabric. Notably, it conducted long-range operations, including a daring 15-hour raid from Rhodes to Bahrain and back to East Africa. The Kanguru remained in Italian service into the early 1960s, highlighting its enduring utility.

Author: Lucas Grant