The MC202 Folgore was without doubt the best known Italian fighter of World War II. Based on the preceding MC200 which was no match for the allied fighters in North Africa, this aircraft featured excellent manoeuvrability and speed thanks to its aerodynamic shape and its powerful, German-designed engine. Altogether the number of Macchis produced and delivered was very limited due to the inadequate war effort of the Italian aircraft factories. The role of the MC202 during World War II was therefore very limited.