The closed cockpit of the first series of the G.50 and Mc.200 had a technical defect, which prevented its opening above a certain speed. Obviously this defect can be deadly in case of plane failure. That's why both Fiat and Macchi preferred to remove it before an adequate technical solution was found. This decision penalized the aerodynamics but solved the visibility issues caused by the low quality plexiglass.
Moreover, the open cockpit allowed an easier escape in case of take-off or landing accidents, which plagued the early G.50's causing several casualties.
And no, Italian pilots didn't jump quicker than their counterparts ...
Last edited by Insuber; 11-11-2010 at 10:30 PM.
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