Italy's Reggiane Re.2002 fighter bomber
Nickname: Ariete (ram)

Photos

Design

Roberto Longhi and Antonio Alessio developed the Reggiane Re.2002 in mid 1940.¹ The design used the basic structure of the Re.2001 with a modified fuselage to contain the larger radial engine.¹

The Reggiane Re.2002 served as an excellent fighter bomber in the Italian Air Force.¹

Armament

There were a total of four machine guns, two in the upper fuselage and two in the wings.¹ A single bomb under the fuselage and two bombs in wing racks could be carried.¹

German Interest

Germany even saw its usefulness and was going to develop a version with a BMW (1,600 HP) engine.¹ However, this was never produced.¹

Prototype

In October 1940, the Reggiane Re.2002 prototype first flew.¹ Refinements to the Re.2002 prototype took a long time and not until September 1941 did the Italian Air Force place an order for 200.¹

Production

• Reggiane Re.2002: 225¹
  • For Italian Air Force: 149¹
  • For German Air Force: 76¹
• Manufacturer: Officine Meccaniche Reggiane S.p.A.¹

Variants

• Reggiane Re.2002:

Usage

First deliveries of the Re.2002 occurred in March 1942 and these became operational in July 1943.^1,2 These were used against the Allies invading Sicily.²

German Use

After Italy's surrender the Germans took over around 60 of the Re.2002s.¹ Many of these were used in France against the Maquis.¹

Allied Use

Around 40 of the Re.2002s were used with the Allied forces until mid 1944.¹

Specifications

	Reggiane Re.20021
Type	Fighter bomber1
Crew	11
Engine (Type)	Piaggio P.XIX RC 451,2
Cylinders	Radial 141
Cooling	Air1
HP	1,1751,2
Propeller blades
Dimensions
Span	36' 1"1
Length	26' 9"1
Height	10' 4"1
Wing area
Weight
Empty
Loaded	7,150 lb1
Performance
Speed @ 18,000'	329 mph1
Climb
Service ceiling	34,450'1
Range	684 miles1
Armament
Nose	2: 12.7 mm MG1
Wings	2: 7.7 mm MG1
Bomb - under fuselage	924 lb1
OR	1,100 lb1
Bomb - wing racks	2: 325 lb1