Aeronautica Militare main The air force of Italy was founded as an independent service arm on 28 March 1923, by King Vittorio Emanuele III as the Regia Aeronautica (which equates to "Royal Air Force"). Source: Internet
After the armistice of 8 September 1943, Italy was divided into two sides, and the same fate befell the Regia Aeronautica. Source: Internet
Formerly known as Aeronautica Macchi, the company was founded in 1912 by Giulio Macchi at Varese in north-western Lombardy as Nieuport-Macchi, to build Nieuport monoplanes under licence for the Italian military. Source: Internet
The Air Force was split into the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force in the south aligned with the Allies, and the pro-Axis Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana in the north until the end of the war. Source: Internet
The long-range Mitsubishi A6M Zero typified the highly maneuverable, but lightly armored, fighter design Macchi MC.200 in the markings of 372° Sq. Regia Aeronautica Fighter design varied widely among combatants. Source: Internet
Nevertheless, competent pilots who took advantage of the P-40's strengths were effective against the best of the Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica. Source: Internet