| Plane type & model |
Monoplane fighter (Re.2005) |
In 1939 the Reggiane factory began to study on a new metallic monoplane fighter. The plane , named RE.2000 Falco , was inspired to US technics and was similar to Republic-Seversky P-35 plane. The Regia Aeronautica ordered only 30 exemplars for a naval use, but Sweden and Hungary recieved 130 exemplars. The plane was also built on license in Hungary as Hejja in 200 exemplars. In 1940 , with the installation of an inline engine, was developed the RE.2001, built on a low rate production because of the lack of Alfa Romeo engines. To avoid this situation it was designated the RE.2002 Ariete with a Piaggio P.XIX engine (1175 Cv), that was an excellent plane and was utilized also by Germans after September 1943 ´s surrender. The RE.2003 recon plane remained at the prototype stadium, and the RE.2005, that flew on 9 May 1942, was the best plane of this series and probably the best italian fighter in WW2. With the Tifone engine ( the italian version of german DB-605), the RE.2005 Sagittario was elegant and fast, but was built only in 29 exempars before September 1943. |
