Italian flight jackets

[Stearmen]

BOB Fiats

Interesting pictures, thank you. It never occurred to me that Italian pilots participated in the Battle of Britain. Am I correct in assuming they flew German planes?

During the Battle Of Britain, the Italians flew only Italian aircraft out of Belgium! They did not do to well, and were withdrawn after a few missions. Before the war, Italy was at the for front of aviation until Mussolini got too involved! By the beginning of WWII most of their planes were obsolete, with the few really good aircraft hampered by in fighting between the manufacturers.

 

[Widebrim]

Italian aircraft industry was actually quite advanced in theory, and perfectly capable of create very good planes
(Macchi C202 and 205, FIAT G50 and 55, Reggian Re 2005);
it came form a tradition of transatlantic flights, speed trophies etc.

The regime took great pride in these things and had a preference for Air Force, cause Fascim, contrary to popular perception, was all about “modernity”, “fast”, “rationalism” and the like. Great influence from italian Futurism.

Yes, Fascism was about modernity, which helps to explain why they were so into Art Deco and Streamline Moderne (the latter having some of its earliest roots in the drawings of the Futurist Sant'Elia). And, as you know, the Italian Royal Air Force was considered "advanced" up until the early-'30s.

 

[Metatron]

Sorry about resurrecting an old thread, I just wanted to add that even if these weren't the most stylish jackets, the removable collar and lining was a great feature,eliminating the need for separate seasonal outerwear, something especially practical for a pilot on the move, often changing airbases.

As far as I know this was a feature unique to the Italian air-force, and something very common in modern military kit.

So don't diss the Marus!

 

[Widebrim]

^^'E certo--That's for sure.

 

[Chasseur]

Great thread!

Thanks for sharing Wiseguy! I love info on the lesser known militaries in WWII.