The Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II was an Italian fighter aircraft, serving in the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) during World War II. A contemporary of the renowned Macchi C.202, the production of this type was to be limited to only 252, but it was a flexible design that proved to be able to undertake a number of roles. Thanks to its manoeuvrability it could dogfight with more powerful opponents like the Supermarine Spitfire. The Re.2001 became the basis of a later, more formidable fighter, the Re.2005.
The Reggiane Re.2001 was a development of the Re.2000 Falco I which had been rejected by the Regia Aeronautica primarily because of its engine. This was the main problem the Falco II set out to fix, now having a 1,175 hp Alfa Romeo inline engine (a licence-built German DB 601) rather than a 986 hp Piaggio P.IX radial engine.
The Re.2001 reached operational status late in 1941 with 2° Gruppo (part of 6° Stormo) that had returned from North Africa without aircraft in September 1941. Its three Squadriglie, 150a, 152a and 358a, were based at Gorizia and then relocated to Rome-Ciampino in December. But due to technical reasons the unit was not fully equipped and trained until February 1942. Finally, on 4 May 1942 it moved to Caltagirone in Sicily, with 18 Reggiane under command of Colonnello Bajlon. In May 1942, Re.2001s began to fly escort missions over Malta, encountering British Spitfire Mk Vs.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 8.36 m (27 ft 5 in)
- Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
- Height: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 20.4 m² (219.58 ft²)
- Empty weight: 2,495 kg (5,500 lb)
- Loaded weight: 3,280 kg (7,231 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC 41-la Monsone (license-built DB 601A-1), 871 kW (1,175 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 542 km/h (337 mph)
- Range: 1,100 km (684 mi)
- Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,090 ft)
- Rate of climb: 780 m/min (2,591 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 32.93 lb/ft²
Armament
- Two 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in upper cowling
- Two 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in wings
** Reggiane Re.2001 Falco - Warbird Fare