The C.205 Veltro ("Greyhound") is considered the best Italian fighter of World War II. It was said that in the hands of a good pilot, it could defeat any allied plane. When the prototype of the Veltro was built, there were two other planes competing for the same contract: the Fiat G. 55 Centauro and the Reggiane Re 2005 Sagittario. The Veltro was faster at medium and low altitude than it's competitors and it was sturdier. Despite the fact that it carried heavier armament, it was found to be just as maneuverable as its competitors. The main drawback was that the wings were shaped like those developed for the Saetta, an earlier design that lacked the same flying characteristics as the Veltro. The Veltro flew first in 1942 and began being incorporated into fighter squadrons a year later. The plane was never mass produced because Italy capitulated in late 1943. Interestingly, the fighter was used to some extent by the Co-Belligerant Force with the Allies and the Aviazioni National R.S.I., the fascist supporters of Mussolini, after Italy fell. The aircraft was also flown by the Egyptian Air Force during the Israeli War for Independence in 1948.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale diecast replica of an Italian Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana Macchi C.205 Veltro fighter. Pre-order! Ship Date: 2021.

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 4-1/4-inches
Length: 3-1/2-inches

Release Date: ?