Kingdom of Italy (1941)
Fighter Aircraft – 32 ~ 48 Built
The Re.2005 was one of the better and more modern Italian WWII fighter designs. It was developed by Reggiane in 1941. Due to the lack of DB.605 engines, the development and production process of the aircraft was too slow and, by the time of the Italian surrender to the Allies, less than 50 had been built.
History
Officine Meccaniche Reggiane SA (hailing from Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy) was a WWI era aircraft manufacturer. However, following the First World War, it was not involved in any large aircraft production or design work. Rather as a company, it focused primarily on the Rail and Agriculture sectors primarily building locomotives and agricultural equipment. Its production efforts only returned to aircraft during the thirties when Reggiane became a subsidiary of the much larger Caproni aircraft manufacturer, which was led by the well-known Engineer Gianni Caproni. Thanks to this, Reggiane was aided by Caproni with a larger and more qualified aircraft design department. Reggiane and Caproni were involved with several experimental pre-war designs, like the Ca.405 Procellaria and P.32bis version, in addition to their license production of the S.M.79.
By 1941, the Italian Air Force was in a very desperate state, as it lacked an effective fighter design that could engage the increasing Allied bombing actions against Italian cities. The only modern design, the Macchi C.202, could not be produced in sufficient numbers to make a difference. For this reason, the Italian Air Force initiated the development of the so-called Serie 5 fighter designs that would eventually lead to the Fiat G.55, Macchi C.205, and the Reggiane Re.2005.
One of the greatest problems that the Italian aircraft designers and manufacturers had was the lack of sufficiently strong engines. In 1938, the development of a 1200 hp Fiat A.38 engine began, but many problems appeared and the engine could not be produced in time nor in any great numbers. For this reason, the license for the production of the German DB.601 was obtained. The problem was that Alfa Romeo’s, the manufacturer of this licensed engine, production output of this engine was only around 50 to 60 per month. Due to the lack of an adequate engine, Italian General Francesco Pricolo proposed creating new designs using the German 1475 hp DB.605 engine, which was to be produced by Fiat from 1942 on. The first planes chosen to be equipped with this engine were the Re.2001 and C.202. On 23rd July 1941, a decision was made to save the entire production of the DB.601 engine for the C.202. In addition, around 1000 new DB.605 engines were ordered to be produced by Fiat. Reggiane officials, seeing a new business opportunity, devoted all their available resources in the development of the new Re.2005 model.
The name
In various sources, this plane is marked by different but similar designations. These include RE 2005, Re 2005, or Re.2005. This article has and will use the Re.2005 designation. In early January 1943, the Re.2005 received its ‘Sagittario’ (name of the Constellation Archer) nickname, which is very well known today.
Re.2005 beginnings
In order to design the future Re.2005, a team was chosen under the leadership of Giuseppe Maraschini. His team decided that, instead of simply improving earlier models, they would design and build a brand new aircraft prototype. Carryovers from previous vehicles included the wings, which were similar to previous models but were made of a single piece. The armament was increased to two 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine-guns and one 0.78 in (20 mm) cannon firing through the propeller hub, with two additional 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine guns to be placed in the wings. A new outward retracting landing gear was to be installed. The radiators were placed under the fuselage. The building of the wooden fuselage mock-up was completed by the end of October 1941. The wings were completed by early November 1941. Preparation for the construction of two working prototypes (MM.494 and 495) began soon after.
However, there were delays due to the lack of promised DB.605 engines, that were not ready for license production yet. There was also a possibility that all future produced DB.605 engines would be delivered to Fiat and Macchi designs only. Despite these setbacks, the work on an operational prototype continued and, in February 1942, the factory was visited by the High Technical-Military Inspectorate commission. This commission gave good remarks for the Re.2005 design but asked to move the wing-mounted machine guns into the fuselage. As this would cause many technical problems and delays, nothing was done on this matter and the machine guns remained in the wings. By this time, the required shipments containing the armament (Mauser 0.78 in/20 mm MG 151 cannons), canopies, and windscreens (same as on the MC.205) were yet to arrive, as there were constant delays.
Once completed, the first test flight of the MM.494 prototype was made on 9th (or 7th, depending on the source) May 1942. For the main test, pilot Major Tullio De Pranto was hired by Reggiane, for the payment of 140.000 lire. This flight lasted around 5 minutes and was without problems. The following day, Major De Pranto made another flight with the MM.494 prototype. At first, it was fine but then the landing gear mechanism on the right leg broke down, which forced the pilot to make an emergency landing. The prototype was damaged but repaired and the flight tests continued during June and July 1942. By this time, over 6 hours of flight were achieved. In late July, the plane was transported to the Guidonia test center for further testing. There, during dive testing, a maximum speed of some 560 mph (900 km/h) was achieved. But there were again problems with the landing gear and also with the cockpit design and, for these reasons, it was returned to Reggiane for modifications. During August, modifications on the cockpit were made, mostly on the design of glass surfaces and the length of the windscreen, which was considered to be too long for the pilot. In September, the flight tests continued, but there were some issues with the engine malfunctioning and the MM.494 pilot was forced to make an emergency landing. By late September, many pilots had the opportunity to fly on the Re.2005 prototype.
At the start of October 1942, the second prototype was moved to the Guidonia test center for testing. There, the problem with the landing gear persisted, in addition to problems with fuselage vibrations that were also noted. By the end of October, the Re.2005 was used in a mock fight with the Fiat G.55. During the firing of its 0.78 in (20 mm) cannons, there were ammunition feed problems. For these reasons, in combination with the previous notes, the MM.495 prototype was returned to Reggiane for further modifications. In late December 1942, an Air Force Commission was formed to examine the Re.2005 prototype overall flying performance, armament, production speed, etc. The Re.2005 was noted to be inferior to the MC.205 but better than the Fiat G.55. While the final decision was not clear, the development of the Re.2005 continued on.
The next step in Re.2005 testing was the addition of bomb loads. During these tests, no major problem was recorded, but the take-off run was increased by some 657 ft (200 m) due to the extra weight. While piloted by Captain Enzo Sant’andrea, instead of releasing the 1410 lb (640 kg) bomb, the release harness mechanism failed and the bomb remained stuck to the plane. He was forced to land with the bomb, but luckily it did not explode and the landing was successful. Various tests were carried out with the original German engine and equipment from April to June 1943.
The Re.2005 prototype was used to supplement a mixed unit in the defense of Rome on 27th May 1943. During this flight, the Re.2005 was piloted by Lieutenant Giorgio Berolaso. While no enemy aircraft were detected, he managed to test the main armament. He later wrote, “ … It was a terrific experience! Such was the recoil that I had the impression that the entire aircraft slowed down…”.
Reggiane fights for production orders
In January 1942. Italian Air Force Officials decided to adopt the Macchi C.202, C.205, and the Fiat G.55 for mass production. The fate of the Re.2005 was, for some time, uncertain. Only in August 1942 did Reggiane receive orders to prepare machine tooling for the possible production of the Re.2005. In October, Reggiane petitioned for the production of 16 Series-0 Re.2005 aircraft. This petition was accepted by Italian Air Force officials and an order for 16 Series-0 (MM.092343-092358) planes was placed in November. Engineer Roberto Longhi was tasked with the construction of the first Series-0 aircraft. As numerous modifications were required, he immediately began working to improve the Re.2005’s performance. The fuselage skin was reinforced, along with the wing spar caps, skins, and internal structure.
As Engineer Roberto Longhi was working to improve the Re.2005, a special Air Force committee rejected it for serial production. Instead, the Re.2005’s improved wings were to be applied to the Re.2002 to serve either as an advanced fighter or as a fighter-bomber. It was also proposed to reequip the Re.2005 with the weaker DB.601 due to a lack of DB.605 engines. For some time, there were fierce discussions between Reggiane officials and the Italian Air Force about the Re.2005. The Reggiane officials even managed to involve Benito Mussolini in this discussion. Eventually, Reggiane managed to obtain a production order for 100 Re.2005 in January 1943, with an additional 18 of the Series-0. In late January 1943, it was increased to 600 aircraft with a monthly production of 70. In order to achieve such high production orders, other manufacturers were to be included in Re.2005 production, like Breda, Caproni, and Aerfer. Eventually, an order for 1000 aircraft was sent with Reggiane, but these numbers were never achieved due to a lack of engines and the war ending for the Italians.
When the production began in early March 1943, it was decided that, from the 24th produced plane onward, bomb racks would be added and the planes were to be used solely as fighter-bomber aircraft.
Technical characteristics
The Re.2005 was designed as a single-engined, low wing, all-metal fighter plane. The fuselage was made using a reinforced sheet metal construction covered with an aluminum alloy skin. The fuselage around the cockpit was additionally strengthened in case of a crash landing.
The landing gear had a simpler design than previous Reggiane designs. It consisted of two outward retracting wheels which were operated hydraulically. The rear tail wheel retracted into the fuselage and was enclosed by two small metal doors. The rear tail wheel could also be steered by the pilot if needed.
To speed up and ease production, the wings were made of one semi-elliptical piece. The wings were made using light alloy materials. They consisted of three double ‘T’ shape spars connected with sheet metal ribs. The split flaps made of metal were extended to under the fuselage. The ailerons (Frise type) were made using a combination of fabric and light alloy materials.
The cockpit had a canopy that could be opened to the right side. For better pilot protection, his seat was made using an 8 mm steel plate. The cockpit was provided with standard Italian equipment, like an Allocchio-Bacchini 30 radio, San Giorgio reflector collimator, Patin telecompass, etc.
The engine used was the German Daimler Benz DB.605A-1 1.475 hp that was being produced under license in Italy as the R.A.1050 RC.58 Tifone (Typhoon). A Piaggio P.2001 three-bladed, mechanically controlled metal propeller was used. The engine was placed in a specially designed mount that was connected to the rest of the fuselage. The Re.2005 oil radiators and coolant were placed on the sides.
The total fuel load was 580 l (or 536 l, depending on the source) stored in four fuel tanks placed in the wings. Access to the fuel tanks was done by removing metal plate panels held in place by screws. Three additional external fuel tanks could be added if needed, one larger with 240 l under the fuselage and two 100 l tanks under the wings.
For Italian standards, the Re.2005 was heavily armed with German supplied cannons. Its armament consisted of one 0.78 in (20 mm) MG 151 cannon firing through the propeller center and two 0.45 in (12.7 mm) Breda SAFAT machine-guns were placed in the front fuselage. Depending on the availability, two 0.45 in or two 0.78 in cannons could be placed in the wings. The total ammunition load was 550-600 (for all three) rounds for the cannon and 700 rounds for the two machine guns. Different bomb load combinations were tested, with a maximum load under the fuselage of 1410 lb (640 kg) and 350 lb (160 kg) under each wing.
In Operational service
Due to the small number built, the Re.2005 saw only a limited number of actions with the Italian Air Force. All surviving Re.2005 were captured by the Germans, who put them to use. The last operator was the Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, which had only a few Re.2005, but if any were ever used operationally is not known. There were attempts to sell the Re.2005 to Sweden, but nothing came from this.
In Italian Service
The delivery of the Re.2005 to operational units was slow, maximally up to four planes per month. The first unit to be supplied with this aircraft was the 362° Squadriglia which was part of the XXII Gruppo Caccia commanded by Captain Germano La Ferla. The first prototype, MM.494, was given to this unit in early 1943. At the start of April 1943, a group of 20 Italian fighters attacked an Allied B-24 bomber formation and managed to shoot down two bombers. One kill was credited to Re.2005. On 10th April, another attack on an Allied bomber formation was made and the Re.2005 again managed to shoot down one bomber. The next day, two more B-24 were shot down at the cost of one Re.2005. The pilot managed to survive using a parachute. On 28th April, another attack was made by a group of four Re.2005, eleven Macchi C.202 and one French captured D.520. In this action, the Re.2005 pilots shot down two more bombers. By this time, it was apparent to the pilots that the Re.2005 was far superior to the C.200 and C.202. The greatest strength of the Re.2005 was its strong firepower of up to three 0.78 in (20 mm) cannons. From May to June, there were several more flights but without any success.
The 362° Squadriglia was moved to Latina in June 1943. By this time, the 362° Squadriglia had only 8 Re.2005 with 7 operational. On 25th June, this position was attacked by Allied aircraft and four fighters were damaged.
In early July 1943, the 362° Squadriglia, with around 8 Re.2005, was relocated to Sicily in an attempt to stop the Allied advance. In the following days, the Re.2005 managed to shoot down several British Spitfires with the loss of a few aircraft. With the inevitable Axis defeat in Sicily, the Re.2005 crews were moved to Italy. The last two operational Re.2005 were lost in an air raid on the positions of the 371° Squadriglia to which they were temporarily attached.
In mid-July, the 362° Squadriglia was operated from Naples with newly supplied Re.2005. By 20th July, this unit had only six Re.2005 but, in the following days two, were lost during bad landings, including the second prototype. Other units were also supplied with the Re.2005 but, in most cases, they were supplied in very limited numbers, for example to 369° Squadriglia. Through August, there were several unsuccessful flight attempts against Allied aircraft. A number of Re.2005 were lost either to Allied action or to other circumstances. By early September, due to the Italian surrender, all available Re.2005 stationed in Naples were destroyed by their crews.
The maximum number of Re.2005 ever operated by 363° Squadriglia was around 9 operational planes. By the time of the Italian surrender, in total, 19 Re.2005 were supplied for operational use to front line pilots. During the period in which XXII Gruppo Caccia was equipped with the Re.2005, it claimed to have shot down some 24 enemy aircraft, with 17 more labeled as possible. In addition, 8 to 13 aircraft were reported to be damaged by this unit. The total losses of Re.2005 amounted to 12 planes, with the deaths of 3 pilots and 4 wounded. While in service, the Re.2005 landing gear proved to be problematic and thus the ground repair crews made several field modifications in order to solve this problem.
In German hands
After the Italian defeat, the Germans rushed to capture any available military equipment and factories they could find. This included the Reggiane factory, along with all surviving Re.2005 in September 1943. Once in German hands, 8 Re.2005 that were under construction were completed. The Germans seemed to be satisfied with its performance and allocated them to the Luftwaffe Luftdienst Kommando Italien in October 1943. At the start of 1944, two additional Re.2005 were completed and given to the Luftwaffe.
The use of the Re.2005 by Germans is somewhat confusing, as some authors suggest that they were used in defense of Berlin up to the war’s end ( like D. Mondey). Author M. Di Terlizzi mentions that the MM.495 prototype along with MM.096105 were sent to Germany for evaluation, but what their fate was is not known. Author G. Punka even writes that the second prototype was used in defense of Bucharest. Both cases seem highly unlikely if we take into account the cost of transport, lack of spare parts which would force it to operate close to the Reggiane factory, and the small numbers of captured planes. Even if the Re.2005 were repositioned to defend Berlin, they would have made no difference due to the small number built.
In an Allied bombing raid in March 1944, three Re.2005 were lost. From March to June 1944, three more were damaged, mostly due to accidents, and were returned to Reggiane for repair. By the end of July, five Re.2005 were still operational and used by the Fliger Ziel Staffel 20. This unit was active from June to December 1944. The final fate of the German-operated Re.2005 is not clear but, by the end of 1944, all were probably lost.
Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana
The Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana had two operational Re.2005 captured at Castiglione del Lago in October 1943. It is highly unlikely that they ever saw any operational service.
Offer to Sweden
In 1942, the Chief of the Caproni commercial company (Compagnia Commerciale) made an attempt to sell the license and 50 incomplete airframes to Sweden. His offer was based on the fact that Italy had sold older Re.2000 and that Sweden had obtained a license for the production of the German DB.605 engine. By the time the Air Ministry and Mussolini allowed this arrangement, in June 1943, it was too late and the whole deal was never achieved.
Proposals and modifications
During the Re.2005’s development process, there were few attempts to overcome the problem of the lack of an adequate engine. Other different modifications were also tested, but with little to no success.
Re.2005 SF/R
In late November 1942, there were proposals to mount an additional jet engine on the Re.2005 which could help it reach a speed up to 466 mph (750 km/h), at least in theory. Due to the extra weight of some 1000 lb (310 kg) and complications with the installation, no Re.2005 was ever fitted with this engine. This proposal is often marked by Re.2005 SF, after the names of the main proponents of this project, Marcello Sarracino and Antonio Ferri. It is also marked simply as Re.2005 R, Reazione (Reaction), by some sources.
Re.2005 wooden version
Luigi Nardi made a proposal to build the Re.2005 aircraft using mostly wood. This would make the production of Re.2005 cheaper. Nardi was involved in building the first wooden wings in March, following with a fuselage in June 1943. Reggiane officials hired Nardi in late 1942 ( officially in early 1943) and gave him a team of 39 men to complete a wooden model. Little to no progress was made by 1943 and, in the end, it appears that no working prototype was ever built.
Twin fuselage Re.2005 version
There was a paper proposal in late 1942 to build a twin-fuselage heavy fighter version of the Re.2005. It was to be powered by two DB.605 engines and the pilot was to be positioned in the left fuselage. This project remains on paper only and no mock-up or working model was ever built. In 1943, Nardi proposed a similar all-wood project, but nothing came of this. If these two projects were related, it is not known. It is unknown if this version received any official designation.
Re.2005 aircraft carrier version
Due to Reggiane’s experience with shipboard aircraft designs, the Re.2005 was chosen to be used for the Aquila aircraft carrier. No progress was ever made for this version and, in the end, nothing came from it.
Re.2004
Due to the lack of DB.605 engines and the priority given to the G.55 and C.205 aircraft, Italian Air Force officials proposed in late 1941 that Reggiane adopt another solution. This included the use of the new Isotta Fraschini Zeta 1.250 hp engine still in development. This new aircraft project was named Re.2004. The development process of the Re.2004 was slow and, by late June 1943, only two prototypes were ordered to be built. The main engine was never successfully completed nor used due to huge problems with the cooling system. It is likely that only wooden mock-ups were ever built of the Re.2004. Some authors, like John F.B, note that the Re.2004 was actually based on the Reggiane Re.2001 fighter design.
Re.2006
In March 1943, the Italians managed to obtain a number of German 1750 hp DB.603 engines. Immediately, there were plans to equip the existing fighter designs with this engine, including the Re.2005. In May 1943, the Italian Air Force ordered Reggiane to construct two new prototypes (MM.540-541) using this engine. By the time of the Italian surrender, only one incomplete (or complete, depending on the source) prototype was built. After the Germans captured the Reggiane factory, they continued work on the Re.2006 by using some components taken from the Re.2005 (the fuselage). The work on it was never finished by the Germans. It was captured by the Allies, who showed no interest in it, and the incomplete Re.2006 was scrapped in April 1946.
Production
Despite promising performance and an official production order for more than 740 aircraft, only small numbers were actually ever built. The number of production aircraft depends on the sources: According to author Christ C. 37 were built, while D. Mondey and Nešić, D claim 48 being built.
Author John F.B. gives information that 2 prototypes, 16 Series-0 and 18 pre-production aircraft were built, in total 36. Author Gregory A. notes that, by September 1943, 32 Re.2005 were built. These include 2 prototypes, 29 Series-0 and a single Series-I aircraft. He also notes that an additional one was under construction but never finished.
- Re.2005 Prototype – two prototypes (MM.494 and 495) built
- Re.2005 Series-0 – 16 to 29 were built and used for testing and in combat.
- Re.2005 Series-I – 1 to 18 built with some structural modifications.
Proposals and modifications
- Re.2005 SF – Proposed version equipped with an extra jet engine, none built.
- Re.2005 wooden version – Proposed version to be built using wood, only limited progress made.
- Twin fuselage Re.2005 – Paper project only.
- Re.2005 carrier version – Proposed version to be used on the Aquila aircraft carrier, no prototype was ever built.
- Re.2004 – Experimental fighter project equipped with the Isotta Fraschini Zeta 1.250 hp engine, possibly only a mock-up built.
- Re.2006 – Proposed fighter plane powered with Daimler Benz DB 603 and to be built using Re.2005 components, only one incomplete model built.
Operators
Italian Regia Aeronautica – Operated less than 22 aircraft during the war.
Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana – Operated two Re.2005.
Germany – Rebuild 10 Re.2005 which were used by the Luftwaffe.
Sweden – There were proposals to negotiate a deal with Sweden for license production. Nothing came from this.
Surviving Re.2005
One Re.2005 captured in Sicily was allegedly put on display in the American National Aircraft Show in November 1946. There is little to no evidence that proves that this ever happened. Today, only a part of a Re.2005 is the rear fuselage and tail of MM.092352362-2, restored by GAVS Milan. It can be seen at the Gianni Caproni Museum of Aeronautics near Milan.
Conclusion
While the Re.2005 had the potential to be a good fighter design, its development process was plagued by the lack of engines, problems with vibrations, and the indifference of the Italian Air Force officials. While it was used in combat, it was built in small numbers and too late to have any influence on the war.
Re.2005 Specifications |
|
| Wingspans | 36 ft 1 in / 11 m |
| Length | 28 ft 7 in / 8,7 m |
| Height | 10 ft 4 in / 3.15 m |
| Wing Area | 220 ft² / 20.4 m² |
| Engine | One Fiat R.A.1050 RC.58 12-cylinder 1475 hp engine |
| Empty Weight | 5732 lbs / 2.600 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 7.960 lbs / 3.610 kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 580 + 440 l |
| Climb to 8 km (19,700 ft) | 7 minutes 50 seconds |
| Maximum Speed | 390 mph / 630 km/h |
| Cruising speed | 319 mph / 515 km/h |
| Range | 776 mile / 1.250 km |
| Maximum Service Ceiling | 39.370 ft / 12,000 m |
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Armament |
|
Gallery
Re. 2005, Illustration by Pavel Alexe
Source:
- D. Nešić. (2008). Naoružanje Drugog Svetsko Rata-Italija. Beograd.
- D. Mondey (2006). The Hamlyn Concise Guide To Axis Aircraft OF World War II, Bounty Books.
- G. Punka, Reggiane Fighters In Action. Signal Publication.
- J. W. Thomson (1963) Italian Civil And Military Aircraft 1930-1945, Aero Publisher
- G. Alegi. (2001) Reggiane RE 2005, SATE Zingonia.
- M. Di Terlizzi (2001) Reggiane RE 2005 Sagittario, IBN Editore
- John F.B. (1972) Caproni Reggiane Re 2001 Falco II, Re 2002 Ariete and Re 2005
- Sagittario, Profile Publications
- N. Sgarlato (1979) Italian Aircraft OF World War II, Squadron Signal Publication.
- C. Dunning (1998) Courage Alone The Italian Air Force 1940-1943, Hikoki Publication