World War II: Fighters

In June 1940, the Italian fighter pilots climb into canvas and wood frame biplanes (Fiat CR.32 and CR.42). The modern monoplane metal planes (Fiat G.50, Macchi C.200) are few, unreliable and less performant in combat against the Spitfire and Hurricane. In 1940-1943, the Italian industry attempts to make up for lost time by manufacturing aircraft comparable to the enemy planes (Macchi C.205, Reggiane) so as to supply the Italian squadrillas with efficient machines, but the effort suffers from industrial delays, political choices and the disproportionate number of models. And it’s not just the planes that are inadequate: the pilots have an antiquated vision of air warfare. Enamoured of air duels and acrobatics, they have an ‘individualistic-sporting’ mentality that clashes with the enemy’s ‘technical-collective’ approach.