Dispersed on a muddy corner of Lecce airfield on December 29, 1943, was this M.C.202, MM.9101, a Serie VII variant belonging to the 356 Squadriglia, Co-Belligerent Air Force.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Macchi MC.202 Folgore - ИталияItaly - 1940

A Macchi M.C.202 in US Army Air Corps markings at Catania, Sicily, on October 5, 1943.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Macchi MC.202 Folgore - ИталияItaly - 1940

On the troubled waters of Brindisi harbour on Christmas Day, 1943, was this Cant Z.506B Airone (Heron) Serie I. It had not yet been repainted in Co-Belligerent markings, and retains the identity of the 186 Stormo Bombardumento Marittimo of the Regia Marina.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: CANT Z.506B/S Airone - ИталияItaly - 1937

That Italy was one of the last nations to fully adopt enclosed cockpit canopies is typified by this Macchi M.C.200, serial number MM.4557, photographed at Gerbini on October 1, 1943.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Macchi MC.200 Saetta - ИталияItaly - 1937

A Reggiane Re 2001, Model CN, seen at Lecce on December 24, 1943. This nightfighter was powered by a German Daimler-Benz liquid-cooled engine, and is armed with twin gondola mounted 20mm Mauser cannons to supplement its nose machine guns.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Reggiane Re.2001 Ariete - ИталияItaly - 1940

A few Co-belligerent aircraft re-adopted the Fascist tail stripes, as seen on this Cant Z.1007bis Alcione (Halcyon) at Lecce on December 24, 1943.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: CANT Z.1007 Alcione - ИталияItaly - 1937

The first Savoia-Marchetti aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage, the S.M.75 is seen here in its military transport guise. This aircraft was used by Marshal Pietro Badoglio, who became premier when Italy surrendered, and is seen at Guardo, Italy, on February 14. 1944.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Savoia-Marchetti / SIAI SM.75 - ИталияItaly - 1937

The Hom Patrick Lindsay's Fiat G.46, G-BBII, up from Duxford on June 20, 1976, with Tony Bianchi in charge.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: FIAT G.46 - ИталияItaly - 1947

American photographer Howard Levy took this photograph of SIAI-Marchetti SM.87 - a floatplane version of the SM.75 - I-INNO/MM488 at Brindisi on Christmas Day, 1943, after the Italian armistice. This is believed to be the sole example to reach the Co-Belligerent forces. Note that the “L” in “Littoria” on the fuselage legend has been changed to a “V” to make Ala Vittoria, the latter translating as victory!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Savoia-Marchetti / SIAI SM.87 - ИталияItaly - 1939

SAIMAN 200 trainers were captured in large numbers and used as "hack” aircraft. This one, sporting the bogus US serial number 51-224, was photographed at Ponte Olivio. Sicily, August 19, 1943. It bears the name "Patches" on the engine cowling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Saiman Saiman 200 - ИталияItaly - 1938