Italian Forces

The Ariete ready for the war

In the mid-1943, the Italian Regia Aeronautica put in service a new airplane: the Reggiane Re.2002 "Ariete" wich, born like fighter, is employed like attack aircraft by 5th and 50th Stormo, with a combat load of 650 kg, as replacement for G.50 modified in fighter-bomber. The first flight of Re.2002 date back to October 1940, the first order by Regia Aeronautica date back to September 1941, but some problems with the power plant, the radial engine Piaggio P.XIX R.C.45 "Turbine", 1175 hp, and other minor troubles delayed the development and the entry in service. The Ariete was ready for operational service only in the beginning of 1943. In the picture one of the first Re.2002 "Ariete" operational, again without the markings of Stormo, lined up with other Italian fighters, a fighter Macchi and, in background, a Reggiane Re.2001. Victor Sierra