The Macchi M.C. 200 "Saetta", designed by the famous engineer Mario Castoldi, represented a significant evolution in the production of Italian fighter aircraft.
Compared to the Fiat CR 32 and Fiat CR 42 biplanes, which still constituted the backbone of Italian fighter squadrons at the beginning of the Second World War, the Macchi M.C. 200 was characterized, together with its contemporary Fiat G.50, by a low-wing configuration and an all-metal structure.
It made its first flight on 24 December 1937 and entered service in 1939: although equipped with a low-powered engine and armed only with a pair of 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, the Saetta's design was very valid.
- The Macchi M.C. 200 had no particular defects and was equipped with excellent capabilities for close combat.
In fact, its handling was excellent and its stability in high-speed dives was exceptional: it could thus duel with the best Allied fighters and come out undefeated.
- Only the Supermarine Spitfire could outperform it in a climb.
On the other hand, its good flight characteristics were offset by low engine power, a barely sufficient horizontal speed and inadequate armament of only two 12.7 mm machine guns in the fuselage, synchronized for firing through the propeller.
With the insignia of the Regia Aeronautica, it operated on almost all fronts of the Second World War, from the Mediterranean Sea to Africa, the Balkans and on the Eastern Front.
The Macchi M.C. 200s were built:
- By Aer.Macchi: 395 examples.
- By Breda, which actually built the largest number: 556 examples.
- By SAI Ambrosini: 223 examples.
