Line-up of the Reggiane Re.2001 of 358th Squadriglia of 2nd Gruppo Caccia, first unit of Italian Regia Aeronautica equipped with this new fighter delivered from December 1941 on the Gorizia Airport for pilots’ training and tuning up. At January 1942 the 2nd Gruppo Caccia (Squadriglie 150th, 152nd and 358th) of 6th Stormo was transferred at Rome, Ciampino Airport where perhaps was taken this photo. After a new and long trial period, only on May 1942 the 2nd Gruppo reached the Sicilian base of Caltagirone for his first operational cycle against Malta. Victor Sierra

New Regia Aeronautica’s fighter

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

The Ariete ready for the war

Submarine Marcello in the Atlantic. Note the personnel on the turret searching for targets. DVX