My unforgettable (Macchi C.205 ) "Veltro".... a pilot remembers

[Falco_Peregrinus]

Dear fellow pilots,
Since we've been having the 202 in BoM, I thought that I would share a small pilot's account here about this plane, or even its successor, the 205.
I am translating here one pilot's account, written by the Chief test pilot of Macchi Aeronautica, pilot Guido Carestiato, who test flew all the Macchi series during the war.
He even, as a civil pilot, took off in 1942 to intercept a RAF bombing in Tourin in a C.202, alone.
 
The original website where it has been taken is: http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/aer_macchi_c_veltro,18.html

 

I hope you'll enjoy it!
 


 

Speaking of the Macchi 205 means to me a leap in history, at the thought of the memory of that exceptional, beautiful and unforgettable airplane that was the Greyhound.
Since that memorable spring day in which I was assigned to the testing of the first flight, today almost 33 years have passed, and yet, in that event, I still remember the details exactly, and the strong and pleasant feel of the prototype MM. 9487 that I took to fly in the sky of Lonate.
 
I had followed in the days before the development of the aircraft, developed not particularly laborious since the 205 came from the famous C 202, of which retained the excellent handling characteristics, the strong structural constitution, the clean aerodynamic lines and the harmony of commands.
 
Only differences felt: the increase of thrust due to the more powerful engine and the increased weaponry that could be felt at the time of test firing in the air. The series '00' had 2 Safat 12.7 synchronized to fire through the propeller arc and two 7.7 arranged on the wing panels. The armament was not very efficient and certainly inadequate for the performance that could offer the 205, but was soon changed with the replacement of Safat 7.7 with two guns Mauser 20. Thus armed the aircraft became a real "Mr. Fighter" .
 
The acceptance tests took place normally as in the forecast; it seemed to fly a "202 Sprint" ... because I was favorably impressed by the speed that could unleash the 205, by the enhanced possibilities of handling expressed by the aircraft, its exceptionally great climbing performance that exalted the maximum rate of climb, reaching 6,000 m. in a breath.
What reassured me completely during acceptance tests, was the strength of the cell, long valued by C. 202 in previous years, and this prompted me to take the plane to every effort; by risky maneuvers in the toughest applications pushed to the limits of established safety and beyond. I remember that I reached without difficulty values of ​​around 1000 km / h, never exceeded earlier, and this result allowed Macchi not to apply to the anemometer any safety locks for speed limits; those who knows what I am talking about ​can evaluate the true meaning of the security that offered the structure of the 205.

The more surprising result was to achieve in the horizontal speed test at 7,200 m. the speed of 660 km / h, a value that represented, if I am not mistaken, the highest speed reached by a fighter with the standard DB 605. The only moot point that cost the Macchi a compromise with the Regia Aeronautica was the acceptance as the official maximum horizontal speed of 642 km /h, considering the average value determined by military pilots based in Guidonia, according on some questionable considerations: installation of the two Mauser 20 mm guns , application of a skid of the wheel tail, increasing oil coolers size for better cooling of the lubricant necessary to DB. 605.
 
There was not much to choose from the conditions for the acceptance of the said speed limit, even if the value approved to 642 km / h guaranteed anyway to Mc. 205 a position of superiority over the other two competitors, which ergistered slower speeds.
 
For the sake of information, however, I must point out that in the lot tests I personally confirmed the values ​​obtained previously, managing with satisfaction to reach speeds never less than 650 km / h on several occasions, controlled by military pilots with their instruments in Guidonia.
 
These results must be accredited to the excellent characteristics of the "Greyhound", its perfect development and favorable conditions in which the tests were conducted. Aeronautics Macchi had successfully passed all tests with the 205 .
 
The positive characteristics of the C.205 compared to the previous aircraft tested by me, can be summarized as follows:
1) its spacious cabin and equipped with excellent visibility.
2) the easy and secure take-off with takeoff almost automatic from the ground.
3) the excellent speed in climbing with the achievement of high altitude in minimal time.
4) the extraordinary strength in the most demanding maneuvers.
5) the exceptional acrobatic skills and speed of execution of the maneuvers.
6) the maneuverability, cause by prompt responsiveness of commands.
7) the natural tendency to facilitate the landing on the three points of stability.
 
Despite being rather heavily wingloaded per square meters. because of its limited wing area, it always had a good chance on the 8,000 / 9,000 m. plafond,  and it was great at lower altitudes.
Personally I consider "her" as one of the most successful fighter fielded by belligerents in World War II; certainly the best of the Italian ones known to me. Less nostalgic memory instead I have about the other two versions of the 205, the 205N "Orion" with increased wing area and more powerful weapons. Although it also was an excellent aircraft , it just didn't have the brilliance and the "gritty" personality  of the C.205 "Veltro".
I have not forgotten nor could I ever forget the truly unsurpassed and exciting features of the Macchi 205; so docile, loyal, confident and why not, beautiful !.
 
Guido Carestiato
Chief Test Aeronautica Macchi

 

 

Edited September 19, 2015 by Ioshic