Kingdom of Italy (1937)
Fighter Aircraft – 158 ~ 170 Built

The Re.2000 was one of many Italian pre-war fighter aircraft developments. Despite having overall decent flying performance, it was never adopted for Italian service. It did see export success, to Sweden and Hungary.

History

Officine Meccaniche Reggiane SA (Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy) was a WWI-era aircraft manufacturer. However, after the war, the Reggiane was not involved in any aircraft production or design work. Things started moving only during the thirties, when Reggiane became a subsidiary of the much larger Società de Agostini e Caproni and Società Caproni e Comitti aircraft manufacturer, which was led by well-known Engineer Gianni Caproni. Thanks to him, Reggiane was provided by Caproni with a larger and well qualified aircraft design department. Reggiane and Caproni were involved in several experimental pre-war designs, like the Ca.405 Procellaria and P.32bis, in addition to the licence production of the S.M.79 bomber.

In 1938, the development of the Re.2000 began at the request of the Italian Aviation Ministry (Ministero dell Aeronautica) under the codename “Programme R”, which aimed to upgrade the Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) with new and modern designs. Special care was given to the development of new single wing fighter designs. At that time, several different fighter designs were in various states of development (like the Fiat G.50, Caproni-Vizzola F.5, Macchi C.200 etc.). The Reggiane officials wanted to participate in this, and ordered the design team to begin developing a fighter plane.

A team was formed, led by the Technical Director Antonio Alessio and Engineer Roberto Longhi, who immediately began work on the new design. Due to a lack of time to properly design the new fighter, a solution was proposed to simply buy a licence from the Americans, but this was rejected by chief Ing. Caproni. The new design was, surprisingly, soon finished. This was achieved by utilizing some elements of design of an American Seversky P-35 aircraft. The main reason why the Re.2000 was influenced by the American design was Roberto Longhi. He had spent some time working in the aviation industry in America before returning to Italy in 1936. While the two planes look very similar, there were some differences, like the cockpit, landing gear etc.

Technical Characteristics

The Re.2000 was designed as a low wing, mixed construction (mostly metal), single seat fighter plane. The fuselage consisted of a round frame covered with metal sheet held in place by using flush-riveting. The Re.2000 wings had a semi-elliptical design, with five spars covered with stressed skin. The central part of the wing held two integral fuel tanks. The front position had a capacity of 455 l (120 US gallons), while the smaller rear one could hold around 240 l (63 US gallons). The wings were equipped with fabric covered Frise type ailerons. The rear tail had a metal construction with the controls covered with fabric.

The landing gear system was unusual. When it retracted, it rotated 90° (a copy from the Curtiss model) before it entered the wheel bays. For better landing handling, the landing gear was provided with hydraulic shock absorbers and pneumatic brakes. The smaller rear wheel was also retractable and could be steered if needed.

The Re.2000 engine was the Piaggio P.XI R.C.40 14-cylinder air cooled radial engine, a licensed derivative of the French Gnome-Rhône Mistral Major 14K, providing 985 hp (840 hp depending on the source), equipped with a three blade variable pitch propeller made by Piaggio.

The cockpit canopy opened to the rear and the pilot had a good overall view of the surroundings. For pilot protection, a rear 8 mm (0.3 in) thick armor plate was placed behind the seat. The pilot was provided with an oxygen tank and a type B.30 radio. The Re.2000 had an option for installing wing gun-cameras, but this was rarely done.

The Re.2000 possessed weak offensive capabilities, as it was armed with only two Breda-Safat 12.7 mm (0.5 in) heavy machine guns. The machine guns were placed above the front fuselage and fired through the propeller arc. For each machine gun, 300 ammunition rounds were provided. The machine guns could, depending on the combat situation (lack of ammunition, for example), be fired together or individually. There were plans to add two more machine guns (unknown caliber) to the wings but nothing came of this.

The Re.2000 also had two small bomb bays placed in each central wing section. Each bomb bay had a payload of twenty two 2 kg (4.4 lb) anti-personnel or incendiary bombs. The bombs were electrically released individually or in larger groups.

Tense Start

The first operational Re.2000 prototype (serial number MM.408) was completed in early 1939. It made its first test flight on 24th March (or May, depending on the source) that year, piloted by Caproni test pilot Mario De Bernardi. During this flight, the Re.2000 was shown to have good flying speed and manoeuvrability. There were some modifications requested, like changes in the design of the exhaust and carburettor air intakes. The cockpit design was also requested to be changed from a round windshield to a framed model. These flight tests were followed by armament tests, which also were without any major problems. During this time, the Re.2000 was tested in mock dog-fights against the Italian Macchi C.200 and even a German Me-109E. In these mock fights, the Re.2000 proved to have better handling and maneuverability than its counterparts.

In August 1939, the prototype was moved to the Air Force Guidonia test site near Rome for further testing. The Re.2000 was flight tested by two pilots, Colonels Aldo Quarantotti and Angelo Tondi, who both gave positive remarks on its performance. Maximum speed achieved during these test flights was 515 km/h (320 mph).

Further tests done by the Aeronautical Construction of the Air Ministry, on the other hand, stressed the important structural problems that this plane had. The main issue was the position of the fuel tanks in the wings, which was dangerous for a fighter plane. There was another huge issue with fuel tank leaks due to loosening of the rivets. The low quality of the welding and a number of internal structural defects were also noted. Despite still being in a prototype stage, meaning that these defects could possibly have been addressed, the Re.2000 program was abandoned.

Despite the proposal of the Re.2000 main designers Alessio and Longhi to redesign the fuel tanks and improve the structure of their prototype, the decision for the cancellation of the project was not changed. The small serial production of 12 planes was rejected and the preparation of the tooling equipment for the production of the originally planned 188 aircraft was abandoned.

Strangely, for some unknown reason ,the Aviation Ministry gave permission for the construction of a second prototype (MM.454). Later, this prototype would serve as a base of the Re.2002 aircraft design.

Success Abroad

Despite not being adopted for service, the Aviation Ministry did actually include the Re.2000 for the export market, where it did see some success. Even though the Reggiane lost the order for the Re.2000 serial production, their management decided to go on with production as a private venture. The idea was that, if its own Air Force did not want to adopt it, maybe another country would. Many Nations in Europe would show interest in this design, which included Hungary, Yugoslavia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, Finland and Sweden. In the end, due to the war’s outbreak, only Hungary and Sweden would receive the Re.2000.

Negotiations with the UK

In late 1939, the UK sent a delegation led by Lord Hardwick and Wing Commander H. Thornton to Caproni. The British were interested in buying a number of aircraft designs (Ca.313 and Ca.311), including 300 Re.2000. The order was confirmed in January 1940. What is interesting is that, initially, the Germans did not try to prevent these negotiations. Later, in March, the Germans tried to enforce an embargo on the Italian sale of weapons to the UK. Caproni and Lord Wardwick tried to bypass this embargo by making a deal through a Caproni Portugese subsidiary. But, as Italy attacked the French in June 1940, the negotiations between Italy and the UK were stopped.

In Swedish Service, the “J 20”

Sweden negotiated with Reggiane to buy a group of 60 Re.2000 aircraft. After some initial negotiations, the deal was made on the 28th November 1940. The price of these 60 aircraft was 18.7 million Swedish Krona, but was instead paid in much needed chrome-nickel metal (of the same value) instead. The 60 Re.2000 were broken into parts and sent by train through Germany and then again re-assembled at Malmen. In Swedish service, the Re.2000 was known as the J 20. While it proved to have good flying performance, due to the harsh weather conditions, it was difficult to maintain properly. During the war, the J 20 were mostly used to patrol the Swedish skies and occasionally intercept German or Allied aircraft. Only one was lost, when it was shot down by a German Do 24 in April 1945. Due to a lack of spare parts, all were removed from service in 1946. One surviving J 20 can be seen in the Swedish Air Force Museum in Linköping.

In Hungarian service, the “Héja”

For some time, Hungary acquired aircraft and aviation equipment from Italy (like the CR.32 and CR.42, for example). By the end of 1939, Hungary asked for 70 new Re.2000 in addition to the licence rights for domestic production. Once the deal was completed, the production of the Re.2000 was given to well known manufacturer MAVAG, but the start of the production process was slow. On the other hand, the 70 Italian-produced Re.2000 arrived by the end of 1941. The first Hungarian-produced Héja (Hawk, as the Re.2000 was known in Hungary) was only built and tested in 1942. By the time production stopped, in 1944 around 185-203 aircraft of this type were built.

During their Hungarian service, the Héja’s engine was deemed insufficient, and so a new, 14-cylinder WMK-14B 1085 hp engine was used. The heavy machine guns were also replaced with Hungarian Gebauer ones of the same caliber.

The Héja were used on the Easter front with some success, managing to achieve a number of air victories. As a shipment of more advanced Me-109G arrived in Hungary from Germany in late 1943, the Héja was mostly relegated to training. But, due to the rapid Soviet advance in 1944, many were put back into frontline service in the vain hope of stopping the enemy.

Negotiation with Yugoslavia

In early 1940, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia sent an Air Force delegation led by Colonel Pavlović to negotiate an order for 50 Re.2000 aircraft. After a brief demonstration, the delegation was impressed with its performance. In March, a new delegation led by Colonel Rubčića, with two test pilots, was sent to personally test the Re.2000’s performance. In July, Yugoslavia requested a delivery of six Re.2000 aircraft without armament. Due to the outbreak of the war, none were ever delivered to Yugoslavia.

A New Chance in Italian service

The Re.2000 would see some limited service in the Italian Air Force and Navy. Due to an urgent need for modern aircraft, the Italians simply reused 28 aircraft (the numbers are different depending on the source used) which were originally intended for Hungary (20) and Sweden (8). An additional 28 aircraft were built to replace the ones requisitioned, and supplied to the respective buyers.

Shipboard Version

When Italy declared War on the Western Allies, their navy had only a small number of 44 Ro.43 and few Ro.44 floatplanes available. Thus, the Italian Navy finally showed interest in the Re.2000 as a replacement for the older models. For this reason, a Re.2000 was to be modified with catapult mounting points, so that it could be launched by ship catapults. These were piloted not by navy pilots, but instead by the Air Force. Two Re.2000 that were modified for this purpose and were lost in accidents. The first (MM.471), piloted by Cap. Giovanni Fabbri, was lost during the flight to Taranto and the second (MM.485) was damaged during transport.

The first catapult tests were carried out in late 1941 near Perugia, by Giulio Reiner. More intensive tests were carried out in early 1942 on the Italian battleships Roma and Vittorio Veneto. These tests were considered a great success and an order was placed for 10 Re.2000 to be modified for this role.

These Re.2000 saw some modifications, like the removal of the covering behind the sliding canopy in hope of improving rear visibility, a modified windshield was added, new radio and modifications to the fuselage so that it could be launched from ship catapults.

When the testing was completed, the Re.2000 were given to the 1° Squadriglia FF.NN (Forze Navali – Naval force). Two each were given to the battleships Roma, Vittorio Veneto and Littorio. Due to the rapid development of the War in the Medeterain, the Italian navy was no longer able to effectively battle the Allied navy. These Re.2000 were never used operationally on any Italian ships in its intended role. By the time of the Italian surrender (September 1943), these battleships tried to escape to the Allied side but were attacked by the German bombers, and only one Re.2000 (from the Vittorio Veneto) survived the engagement.

Depending on the source, this version was powered by a stronger 1025 hp P.XIbis engine. The Re.2000 design for the shipboard is marked as Series II. In addition, some authors (like Maurizio D.T.) name this version as Re.2000Bis.

The Re.2000 G.A. Long Range Version

The flow of supplies to the Italian colony of Ethiopia with much needed modern weapons and equipment was constantly harassed by the British navy and aviation. One of the problems for the Italians was the lack of proper fighter cover. They attempted to send S.M.82 transport planes carrying parts for CR.42 biplanes. While these attempts did see some success, a proper solution was needed. The best Italian fighter at that time was the Macchi C.200, but it lacked the needed operational range to reach this front. Someone in the Italian Air Force proposed to modify some already produced models with increased fuel load. The Italian Navy (Regia Marina) also showed interest in this project, as they were desperate to replace the aging Ro.43 and Ro.44 aircraft (carried by larger shipps for various missions). For this proposal, the Re.2000 was chosen, despite not being adopted for service.

The prototype of the Re.2000 design for longer operational range was named “G.A” (Grande Autonomia, long range). The Re.2000 G.A had an increased fuel load to 1490 l, which increased the operational range from 840 km (520 miles) to 1.300 km (807 miles). This aircraft was tested by the famous Italian Ace Col. Adriano Mantelli. The flight proved to be successful and without any problems. Despite these results, the loss of Ethiopia to the Allies in May 1941 stopped the long range fighter project.

The modified Re.2000 aircraft were allocated to the 23° Gruppo Autonomo (independent group) in the spring of 1941. The 23° Gruppo Autonomo consisted of the 70° ,74° and 75° Squadriglia. This unit was stationed at Sicily under the leadership of Major Tito Falconi. As this unit had only a small number of Re.2000, it was reinforced with older CR.42.

To better test the Re.2000 G.A. version’s performance, a special experimental section (Sezione Sperimentale), a part of the 23° Gruppo Autonomo, was formed. This Section was led by Capt. Pietro Calistri. For some time, this unit had a nonoperational status, as the Re.2000 had engine problems and could not be used. As the engine problems were solved, the Re.2000 were mainly used for patrolling the Italian coast, but in a few cases even for bombing British military installations on Malta. The Re.2000 were moved to support the 377° Squadriglia in July (or August depending on the source). At that time, the 377° Squadriglia had around 13 (or up to 17) Re.2000. This unit was stationed at the Trapani Milo airfield in Sicily. From that point, this unit was mostly used for patrol and escort missions in the Mediterranean sea.

The 23° Gruppo Autonomo was, for a very short time, even used in North Africa, but without any Re.2000. In early 1942, the unit was engaged in naval escort and reconnaissance operations, but no enemy fighters were encountered. From March 1942, this unit, under the command of Capt. Marcolini, operated from Palermo in Sicily. Its objective was to protect Palermo from any possible enemy bombing attacks and to scout for enemy ships and aircraft. During one such mission, one British Blenheim bomber was shot down, which may be the only Re.2000 air victory in Italian service.

The 377° Squadriglia was engaged in supporting the Italian attacks on British convoy ships near Malta in June 1942. During this action, no victory was achieved and no losses were recorded. After more than 320 operational missions, the Re.2000 were replaced with Macchi C.200 aircraft in September 1942. The remaining Re.2000s were in such poor repair condition that it was decided to return them to the Reggiane factory. After some were repaired, they were then moved to Treviso to be used as training aircraft, but no flights were ever made. After the Italian surrender, the Germans took over these aircraft, but they were likely scrapped, as there is no record of their use by the Germans.

Future Developments

During the war, the Re.2000 would see some improvement attempts by using a new engine and improving the overall design. There were several such projects, including the Re.2001, Re.2002, Re.2003, Re.2004 and Re.2005.

Re.2001

In the hope of improving the Re.2000’s overall flight performance, in 1939 and 1940, one plane was equipped with a German Daimler Benz DB 601 engine. While it improved the performance, Alfa Romeo was unable to produce large numbers of this engine and, for this reason, only 252 were built. They were used in different roles: fighter, ground attack, shipboard and torpedo attack plane.

Re.2002

The Re.2002 was a fighter-bomber version which incorporated design elements from the Re.2000 and Re.2001. It received two additional light machine guns, bomb racks under the fuselage and under the wings. It was powered by a 1175 hp Piaggio P.XIX R.C.45 engine. Small numbers were produced for the Italians by 1943. The German captured the Reggiane factory and produced additional aircraft.

Re.2003

One Re.2000 was used as a base for the experimental two-seat Re.2003 version. After some testing and an initial order for 200 planes, it was not adopted for service.

Production

Despite being canceled for mass production, Reggiane decided on its own initiative to produce a series of 158 to 170 (depending on the source) aircraft for export sales. Most of these would be sold to Hungary and Sweden. Small numbers (less than 30, including the prototypes) did eventually enter limited service with the Italian navy.

• Re.2000 Prototype – two prototypes built
• I Series – Main production version
• II Series- Shipborne fighter/scout version
• III Series – Long range version

Prototypes and modifications

• Re.2001 – Improved version powered with German Daimler Benz DB 601 engine, 252 were built.
• Re.2002 – Powered with 1175 hp Piaggio P.XIX R.C.45 engine, 225 were built.
• Re.2003 – Experimental two-seater, one prototype built.

Operators

• Italy – Operated less than 40 aircraft
• Hungary – Bought 70 aircraft and a licence production for the Re.2000 under the ‘Héja’ name. Total domestic production was 185-192 aircraft
• Sweden – Bought 60 aircraft in 1940.
• UK – Negotiated buying 300 aircraft, but the war prevented this from happening.
• Other countries like Yugoslavia, Finland, Spain and Switzerland showed interest in buying a number Re.2000, but nothing came from this.

Surviving Re.2000

Two Re.2000 wrecks were recovered from the bottom of Mediterranean. One shipboard Re.2000 (MM.8287) wreckage was found by the Italian company Micoperi. It was lost in a reconnaissance flight during April 1943. What is interesting is that this plane was modified as an experimental two seater according to author Maurizio D. T. The wreckage was, after a proper desalination process, transported to the Museum of the Italian Air Force at Vigna Di Valle. This plane is currently under restoration. Another Re.2000 (MM.8281) was also recovered in late April 2012.

Conclusion

The Re.2000 had good flying performance but it did have a number of issues. The greatest one was the engine, which demanded a lot of maintenance. There were many problems with the engine overheating. While the larger forward mounted engine did provide the pilot with additional protection from enemy fire, it also affected the pilot’s front view, which was limited. The two heavy machine guns proved to be insufficient and problematic. The biggest issue was the poor quality of the fuel tanks, a problem that was never solved successfully, which was the main reason why it was never adopted for service.

Re.2000 Specifications
Wingspans	36 ft 1 in / 11 m
Length	26 ft 5 in / 8 m
Height	10 ft 4 in / 3.15 m
Wing Area	220 ft² / 20.4 m²
Engine	One Piaggio P.XI RC.40 985 hp
Empty Weight	5424 lbs / 2.460 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight	7143 lbs / 3.240 kg
Fuel Capacity	675 l (180 US gallons)
Climb to 6 km (19,700 ft)	6 minutes 10 seconds
Maximum Speed	320 mph / 515 km/h
Cruising speed	280 mph / 450 km/h
Range	522 mile / 840 km
Maximum Service Ceiling	34.450 ft / 11,500 m
Crew	1 pilot
Armament	Two 0.5 in (12.7 mm) heavy machine guns Bomb bay with twenty two 4.4 lb (2 kg) bombs.

Gallery

Illustrations by Pavel

Credits

• Nešić, D. (2008). Naoružanje Drugog Svetsko Rata-Italija. Beograd.
• Mondey, D. (2002). The Hamlyn concise guide to Axis aircraft of World War II. Edison, N.J: Chartwell Books.
• Terlizzi, M., Richard, S. & Lawrence, K. (2002). Reggiane Re 2000 : Falco, Heja, J.20. Rome: IBN Editore.
• Punka, G., Greer, D., Cumpian, E. & Probert, A. (2001). Reggiane fighters in action. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications.
• Thompson, J. (2012). Italian Civil And Military Aircraft 1930-1945. Aero Publisher.
• Siniša M. (2009). Braničevski Glasnik 6, Požarevac
• Gianni, C. (1966). The Reggiane Re.2000, Profile Publication Ltd.
• Brimley, J. (1972). Caproni Reggiane Re 2001 Falco II, Re 2002 Ariete and Re 2005 Sagittario, Profile Publications.
• Warbirds News. (2013). Reggiane Re.2000 Falco recovered from Italian waters.
• Corrado, R. (2012) I sub della Marina militare scoprono un relitto areo. La Nazione.
• Images: Warbirdphotographs.com
• Images: World War 2 in Color
• Written by Marko P.
• Edited by Stan Lucian & Captain Nemo
• Illustrations by Pavel
• Colorization by Michael Jucan