Regia Aeronautica - Reggiane 2005 Sagittario Only 48 issued to units before the armistice in 1943. First flight May 9, 1942 - when Italian designers got their hands on Daimler Benz engines or license built Italian - The RA.1050 RC.58 Tifone (Typhoon) by FIAT, the results were usually good, and in the case of the Sagittario, marvelous. A small fighter, less fuel and ammunition were carried than counterparts. The rear of the fuselage held radio and oxygen equipment and pilot armor was light, but of tempered steel providing good protection. Fuel tanks were self sealing - two in each wing. ”It was one of the most advanced Italian fighters but it was also too advanced to be made by the Italian industry, and one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive to produce.” The only drawback of the design: the rear fuselage was weak causing flutter that damage the fuselage at speed, and do not exceed limits were issued First combat flight March 7,1943 in defense of Naples with 22o Gruppo. Pilots loved the prototype. 362a Squadriglia - also at Naples was the first unit to be equipped with the Re 2005, yet strength never exceeded eight. The type’s superiority over the MC 202 ‘Folgore’ was substantial. Most action seen was over Sicily against Spitfire Mk.V’s during July 1943. After test flying the fighter, Grp Cpt. Duncan Smith, DSO DFCA, a British fighter pilot and fighter leader stated, “Re.2005 Sagittario was a potent aircraft. Having had a dog-fight with one of them, I am convinced we would have been hard pressed to cope in our Spitfires operationally, if the Italians or Germans had had a few Squadrons equipped with these aircraft at the beginning of the Sicily campaign or in operations from Malta. Fast, and with excellent maneuverability, the Re.2005 was altogether a superb aeroplane. Neither the Macchi 205 nor the Bf 109G measured up to the capabilities of the Re.2005 series in maneuverability or rate of climb. I think it was easily the best aircraft Italy produced. It is a pity that no Re.2001/5s survive this day because they were fine examples of Italian engineering craftsmanship.” Ironic that Reggiane designed a beautiful aircraft powered by a German engine, and was nearly too difficult for the firm to build, let alone mass produce. At the time of the Armistice in early September 1943, the Italian aircraft industry had produced approximately 13,000 aircraft.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 19:28:34 +0000
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