Macchi Veltro

Italian World War II fighter aircraft built by the Aeronautica Macchi. The (also known as , “MC“ standing for “Macchi Castoldi“) was a development of the earlier Folgore with a more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. With a top speed of some 640 km/h (400 mph) and equipped with a pair of 20 mm cannon as well as 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, the Macchi Veltro was highly respected by Allied and Axis pilots alike. While the was able to match the best Allied opponents in speed and manoeuvrability, it was introduced late in the conflict. Due to the limitations of the Italian war economy, only a small production run was delivered before the end of the war.