Macchi MC.200, , MM8146
History
The Saetta saw action in various theaters, including Greece, North Africa, Yugoslavia, and the Soviet Union. In November 1942, MM8146 was transferred from the 372nd Squadron in Italy to the 165th Squadron in North Africa.Following the Battle of El Alamein, the aircraft was abandoned at Benghazi airfield in Libya. It retained its original 372nd Squadron markings at the time of its capture by British forces.
After its capture, MM8146 was shipped to the United States and exhibited at various events to promote war bond sales. In the late 1940s, it was donated to the city of Worcester, Massachusetts. The aircraft was later acquired by the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. In 1989, a private collector purchased the Saetta and commissioned a restoration in Italy by Aermacchi, the original manufacturer. The restoration was completed in 1991, and the aircraft was returned to the United States. It was subsequently acquired by the National Museum of the United States Air Force and placed on display in the World War II Gallery.