 Its semi-elliptical wings, long nose and large tail were all distinctive features of this small, nimble fighter.The prototype MM.494 first flew 9 May 1942 but, the day after, a heavy landing led to an undercarriage failure which caused serious damage, and the aircraft was grounded until June (MM.494 was damaged twice more in tests).This prototype had four Breda 12.7 mm machine guns and one Mauser cannon and was primarily used for testing and then for the aerial defense of Naples.