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About 50 Re.2002 Ariete (ram)
fighter-bombers followed for service
with the Regia Aeronautica, these
being powered by the 876kW Piaggio P.XIX RC 45 radial engine
mounted in a slightly lengthened and
strengthened fuselage. The type first
saw operational service in 1942, suffering
heavy losses while contesting the
Allied landings on Sicily.
Aero-Fox, 05.04.2008
The main problem with this fighter was its engine, which left it under-powered and slow (compared to most Allied aircraft of the day). The Luftwaffe showed interest in buying 300 airframes and installing BMW 801 radial engines to solve this defficiency. Some machines were captured 'factory fresh' by the Germans after the 1943 Italian armistice, and were subsequently used against the French Resistance.
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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