Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 034 - Italian Aces of World War 2

Flying aircraft such as the Macchi 200-202, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, the Italian fighter pilots were recognised by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with sound flying abilities, but employing under-gunned and underpowered equipment. Following the Italian surrender in September 1943, a number of aces continued to take the fight to the Allies as part of the Luftwaffe-run ANR, which was equipped with far more potent equipment such as the Bf 109G, Macchi 205V and Fiat G.55. Flying these types, the handful of ANR squadrons continued to oppose Allied bombing raids on northern Italy until VE-Day. "The Italians were the 'junior partners' of the Axis alliance in the European war, and although operating less capable aircraft than the Luftwaffe, the Regia Aeronautica and ANR still produced over 100 pilots who qulaified as aces by scoring five or more kills. The majority of these individuals claimed their victories in 1941-43 during the bitter aerial battles over Malta and the Mediterranean convoys, in support of Axis offensives in North Africam and finally during desperate defence of Sicily and Italy itself. Flying aircraft such as the Macchi C.200, C.202 and C.205, Fiat G.50 and biplane Fiat CR.42, Italian fighter pilots were recognised by their Allied counterparts as brave opponents blessed with sound flying abilities, but hampered by both under-gunned and underpowered equipment. This is the first book ever published in English to deal exclusively with the elite Italian fighter pilots of World War 2." -- Back cover The Italians were the junior partners of the Axis alliance in the European war, and produced 102 pilots who qualified as aces. This work outlines the exploits of the aces, including detailed biographies and listings. There are specially commissioned 1/72-scale drawings and archival photographs. Italy's part in the air war during World War 2 is often overlooked and undervalued, especially in English- and German-language publications.