Reggiane Re.2005

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Reggiane Re.2005

The Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario was an Italian monoplane fighter/fighter-bomber for the Regia Aeronautica during the later parts of World War II. Only thirty-seven were built.

The Reggiane 2005 was the last of the Reggiane aircraft line to be built in World War II. A prototype first flew in September 1942, and was primarily used to defend the skies around Rome and Naples while in pre-production. 750 examples were ordered by the Regia Aeronautica. Eight were stationed in Sicily to resist the allied invasion there. Approximately thirteen were seized by Germany as Italy fell, and were used in the Luftwaffe to defend Berlin.

The production Fiat R.A. 1050 Tifone engines, licenced produced DB 605 were limited to 2650rpm instead of the usual 2800rpm with a corresponding drop in power from 1475hp to 1350hp. MM.494 prototype with DB 605 had a recorded speed of 700km/h when flown fully equipped. In July 1943, Com. de Prato in trials achieved a speed of 980km/h in a dive with no loss of control due to flutter. The Reggiane had good behaviour in close dogfight and , according to General Minguzzi, who flew both Re 2005 and Spitfire, was even better than the Spit in tight turns and handling.

A prototype of the follow on Re 2006 was completed by September 1943 but not flown. It was to use the DB 603 engine with 1750hp and had an estimated max speed of 462mph (740km/h).

[edit] Specifications

General characteristics

Crew: 1
Length: 28 ft 7.75 in (8.73 m)
Wingspan: 36 ft 1 in (11 m)
Height: 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)
Wing area: 219.58 sq. ft (20.4 m sq.)
Empty weight: 5,730 lb (2,600 kg)
Loaded weight: 7,960 lb (3,610 kg)
Powerplant: 1× Fiat R.A. 1050 RC 58 Tifone , 1,350 hp (1,007 kW)

Performance

Never exceed speed: 625mph (1000km/h)
Maximum speed: 421 mph (678 km/h)
Cruise speed: 320 mph (515 km/h)
Stall speed: mph (km/h)
Range: 609 mi (980 km)
Service ceiling: 37,730 ft (11,500 m)
Rate of climb: 3937 ft/min sustained to 19,685ft (20 m/s)
Wing loading: 36lb/sq ft max (177 kg/m^2 max)

Armament

Guns:Two 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine-guns in upper cowling (350rpg); One 20mm MG 151 cannon firing through propeller hub (150rpg); Two 20mm MG 151 cannon in wings (200rpg)
Bombs: Underfuselage hardpoint 2200lb (1000kg), 350lb (160kg) hardpoints on wings