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Description
The Aermacchi MC-208 combined the newly-developed Jumo 004 turbojet with the MC-202/205 airframe, resulting in a nimble fighter aircraft that proved itself across the Mediterranean theatre of operations against Allied squadrons, then, as the war moved on, clashes against the Luftwaffe. Armament was switched for two 20mm autocannons, offering better offensive ability, which coupled with good aerodynamics and superior speed made it a dangerous foe in the skies. It was a contemporary of the jet-powered Bf109-J "Meteor", and the two were very comparable in role and performance. Though produced in limited quantities due to scarce resources, it allowed the Royal Italian Air Force to further improve their jet aircraft designs. After the war, the overall design proved itself as an inspiration for first-generation jet fighters.

This aircraft carries the emblem of the 162a Squadriglia, a hissing black cat, and is flying across uncertain clouds. The aircraft earned its "Tuono"- thunder- nickname for the deafening roar of its turbojet.

After the MB-342, I couldn't resist taking another crack at the Regia Aeronautica, and wanted to try out another one of their beautiful camo patterns. Historically, the MC-200 Saetta was relatively underpowered and things changed greatly once the Daimler-Benz piston engines made their way on Italian aircraft. Naturally, this led me to ponder on the introduction of German turbojets in Italian aircraft in a similar manner, leading to a relatively quick adaptation on an existing airframe. Since I had already done something similar with the IAR series, the adaptation was not very difficult. This opens up more opportunities with the other prominent Italian fighters of the time, the Reggiane Re2005 and the Fiat G55. The MC-208 designation was chosen because from my quick research on the topic, there were already plans for the 206 and 207 that were discovered during the war, and I didn't want to create too much overlap with already existing plans. It helped to have a physical scale model as reference, and allowed me much better accuracy in the proportions and angles (horizontal stab might seem crooked, but it's the wing sweep that gives that illusion - trust me, I checked!) All in all, this was a fun ride, and I bet a real one would be even more fun!

Description
The Aermacchi MC-208 combined the newly-developed Jumo 004 turbojet with the MC-202/205 airframe, resulting in a nimble fighter aircraft that proved itself across the Mediterranean theatre of operations against Allied squadrons, then, as the war moved on, clashes against the Luftwaffe. Armament was switched for two 20mm autocannons, offering better offensive ability, which coupled with good aerodynamics and superior speed made it a dangerous foe in the skies. It was a contemporary of the jet-powered Bf109-J "Meteor", and the two were very comparable in role and performance. Though produced in limited quantities due to scarce resources, it allowed the Royal Italian Air Force to further improve their jet aircraft designs. After the war, the overall design proved itself as an inspiration for first-generation jet fighters.

This aircraft carries the emblem of the 162a Squadriglia, a hissing black cat, and is flying across uncertain clouds. The aircraft earned its "Tuono"- thunder- nickname for the deafening roar of its turbojet.

After the MB-342, I couldn't resist taking another crack at the Regia Aeronautica, and wanted to try out another one of their beautiful camo patterns. Historically, the MC-200 Saetta was relatively underpowered and things changed greatly once the Daimler-Benz piston engines made their way on Italian aircraft. Naturally, this led me to ponder on the introduction of German turbojets in Italian aircraft in a similar manner, leading to a relatively quick adaptation on an existing airframe. Since I had already done something similar with the IAR series, the adaptation was not very difficult. This opens up more opportunities with the other prominent Italian fighters of the time, the Reggiane Re2005 and the Fiat G55. The MC-208 designation was chosen because from my quick research on the topic, there were already plans for the 206 and 207 that were discovered during the war, and I didn't want to create too much overlap with already existing plans. It helped to have a physical scale model as reference, and allowed me much better accuracy in the proportions and angles (horizontal stab might seem crooked, but it's the wing sweep that gives that illusion - trust me, I checked!) All in all, this was a fun ride, and I bet a real one would be even more fun!