The tail of the Reggiane Re.2005 “Sagittario” Series 0 MM 092352, the same aircraft of the previous photo, after its changeover to Repubblica Sociale Italiana’s Air Force, early 1944. The very few Re.2005s handed over the RSI’s Air Force, Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana, was never employed for active duty, while the use of this aircraft by the Luftwaffe for Berlin’s defence is only a legend. The tail of the MM 092352 is today preserved by the Museo Aeronautico Caproni at Trento. It’s the only Re.2005’s specimen still existing. Victor Sierra

The tail of the “Sagittario”

The light accident experienced by the first prototype, MM.494, of the Reggiane Re.2005 “Sagittario” (Sagittarius), last of Italian Regia Aeronautica’s Series 5 fighters, the day of his first flight, 1st May 1942, at Reggio Emilia airfield. Capt. Tullio Da Prato, Reggiane’s chief test pilot, was forced at an emergency belly land because only half of the undercarriage was extended on approach to airfield. The aircraft not suffered heavy damages and was repaired within the space of a week and returned to flight after few days. Note, in background, a car with on the roof the gas bottle, methane during the war time extensively employed in place of the precious petrol. Victor Sierra

The first flight of the “Sagittario”

An Italian Fiat CR.42 “Falco” (Hawk) fighter aircraft damaged by an accident at Monserrato Airfield, Sardinia. Likely an yaw’s effect. Victor Sierra