The Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario (Archer) was an Italian monoplane fighter / fighter-bomber produced for the Regia Aeronautica during the later years of World War II. Considered by many to be "the most beautiful plane of the Second World War", Along with the Macchi C.202/C.205 and Fiat G.55, the Reggiane Re.2005 was one of the three Serie 5 Italian fighters. The well balanced lines of the fuselage were aerodynamically perfect, and everything was designed to get the most out of the famous Daimler-Benz DB 605 engine. The only difficulty was a certain structural weakness in the rear section of the fuselage. Only 48 examples had been delivered, before Armistice, these fighter fighting in the defence of Naples, Rome and Sicily, the survivors battling above the crumbling ruins of Berlin, with German insignia. Well-respected ace and military observer.
The Reggiane 2005 was the last of the Reggiane aircraft line to be built in World War II. The project which started in 1941 was carried out by a team led by Roberto Longhi, and included designers Alessio, Maraschini, Toniolo and Pozzi. Preliminary work was completed before the end of the year despite being a new project, and not simply a revamping of an existing aircraft design such as the Reggiane Re.2002. The DB 605 engine still had to be delivered when the airframe was ready in February 1942. The resulting machine was not only rated as one of the best Axis wartime aircraft, but also one of the best if not "the" best-looking. 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 consequently was unable to fly again until June.
The first pilot to use the Re. 2005 for operational duty was Maggiore Vittorio Minguzzi, commander of 22o Gruppo. The unit was based at Napoli-Capodichino airfield for the defense of the city. Minguzzi received the prototype of the Re.2005 after it had flight test evaluations in Guidonia—and made the first flight with this aircraft on 7 March 1943. He and the most able pilots in the Gruppo flew this prototype until 23 March and they all had a very favourable and enthusiastic impression of this aircraft. He then took it to Napoli-Capodichino where it was incorporated into 362a Squadriglia. This unit – commanded by Capitano Germano La Ferla – was the first to be equipped with the Re.2005. Minguzzi scrambled for the first time in the “Sagittario” on 24 March, when Naples was attacked and on 2 April he claimed a four-engined B-24 Liberator bomber over the Isle of Ischia. This claim is not verified against corresponding USAAF losses. Italian "ace" Vittorio Minguzzi was impressed by this aircraft following its tests and combat debut on 2 April 1943.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 873 cm (28 ft 7.7 in)
- Wingspan: 1,100 cm (36 ft 1.1 in)
- Height: 315 cm (10 ft 4.0 in)
- Wing area: 20.4 m2 (219.6 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 2,600 kg (5,730 lb)
- Loaded weight: 3,610 kg (7,960 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Fiat R.A. 1050 RC 58 Tifone, 1,475 PS (1,085 kW; 1,455 hp)
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 980 km/h (609 mph)
- Maximum speed: 628 km/h (390 mph) at 6,600 ft, 678 km/h (421 mph) at 23,000 ft
- Cruise speed: 515 km/h (320 mph)
- Stall speed: 155 km/h (96 mph)
- Range: 980 km (610 mi) on internal fuel (1,130 km (700 mi) w/ 300 L drop tank; 1,270 km (790 mi) w/ 300 L + 2 × 150 L drop tanks)
- Service ceiling: 11,500 m (37,700 ft)
- Rate of climb: 20 m/s (3,900 ft/min) (6,000 m in 6.5 min)
- Wing loading: max. 177 kg/m² (36.25 lb/sq ft)
Armament
- 2 × 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns in upper cowling (350rpm)
- 1 × 20 mm MG 151 cannon firing through propeller hub (150rpm)
- 2 × 20 mm MG 151 cannon in wings (200rpm)
- 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) bomb or 1 × 300 L (79.3 US gal) drop tank
- 160 kilograms (350 lb) bombs or 2 × 150 litres (39.6 US gal) drop tanks
** Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario - Warbird Fare