Macchi C-200 Saetta (oz783)

About this Plan

Macchi C-200 Saetta, 202 Folgore. 26in wingspan CL scale WWII fighter. Designed by Walter Musciano, Sep 1954 AT plan. Scale is 1/16.

Quote: "Despite the fact that the Italian Air Force did not make a spectacular showing during World War II, it did possess some interesting airplanes that make attractive control line models. One of these is the standard first-line fighter used by Italy during the aerial battles over Malta, Libya and Egypt as well as over the Italian mainland.

Aeronautica Macchi developed the Macchi C-200 Saetta (lightning-swift) from the long line of successful Macchi record-holding racers. Powered by a Fiat A-74 RC/38 radial, air-cooled engine of 840 hp, the C-200 attained a top speed of 305 mph and weighed only 4850 lbs. This light weight created a very maneuverable plane. However, the comparatively low speed and armament of only two 12.7-mm machine guns proved no match for the Spitfires, Hurricanes and Warhawks.

In order to meet these Allied fighters on more equal terms and be able to better support the faster German fighters, the C-200 was fitted with the German Daimler-Benz DB-601 N inverted, liquid-cooled, 12-cylinder engine developing 1,200 hp. With the bigger engine and the addition of four .30 caliber wing guns the weight of the C-202, as it was now designated, jumped up to 6400 lbs. This cut down the maneuverability somewhat but the speed increased to 345 mph at 18,000 ft with a service ceiling of 34,500 ft.

Constructed to a scale of 3/4 in to the foot, our model Macchi will accommodate engines of from .14 to .29 cubic inch displacement. After flying for some time with an OK Cub .14, we decided to switch to something 'heavier.' A Fox .29 was installed in a remodeled nose and control was excellent with flights a bit on the fast side. Plans illustrate both the C-200 and C-202 as well as engines installed upright and inverted in beam and bulkhead mounted fashion.

The first item to be fabricated is the wing, which is started by sawing the plywood joiner to shape in one piece. Cut the balsa spars and taper as the plans describe. Firmly cement the spars to the joiner, thereby auto-matically forming the correct amount of dihedral. While this is drying cut the wing ribs to shape. Sand smooth and cement the ribs to the spars.

The wing covering material should be butt-joined with cement in order to form the full chord width. Trace the wing outline onto the sheet and cut to shape. Cement the lower covering to the spar, holding it in place with pins until dry. Ap-ply liberal quantities of cement to underside of the wing ribs and at-tach the lower covering to them, again holding it in place with straight pins until dry. Bend the landing gear struts to shape with pliers, being sure to make one left and one right-hand strut..."

Update 23/09/2018: Replaced this plan with a clearer copy, thanks to ffrankie. Includes construction notes text. This is an Uncle Willies plan.

Update 23/09/2018: Added article, thanks to DPlumpe.

Supplementary file notes

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