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Last of this
related family of fighters, and one of
the best produced in Italy during
World War II, the Re.2005 Sagittario
(archer) had the same general configuration
as its predecessors. However,
its design incorporated considerable
structural redesign, and refined
landing gear, and the type reverted to
the inline engine. First flown in
September 1942 with a Daimler-Benz
DB 605A-1, the Re.2005 led to a production
model, of which deliveries began
in 1943, with a licence-built version
of this engine, the Fiat RA.1050 RC
58 Tifone. Only 48 had been delivered
before finalisation of the armistice with
the Allies, these aircraft fighting in the
defence of Naples, Rome and Sicily,
the survivors battling above the
crumbling rums of Berlin.
Ronald Boren, toolkeeper123(@)adelphia.net, 24.08.2008
The Luftwaffe had about 17 Re 2005 fighters defending Romanian oil fields. Likewise for the Romanian capital and Berlin. It was more refined than the Macchi C 205V and Fiat G 55 so it was faster and more agile than the Veltro and Centauro. The Sagittario could dive faster than 607 mph and out-turn a Spitfire MkIX. But it's rivals were sturdier and more numerous.
Ronald Boren, toolkeeper123(@)adelphia.net, 23.08.2008
This one caught the Germans attention. 421 mph at about 6,000 ft! From 1943! A natural for fighting the Lavochkins and Yaks in the east. Just beware of rugged unpaved airfields, that's all.
Like the other series 5 Italian fighters (MC 205 & G 55), it was finally well armed. It had 3 Mauser 20 mm cannons to compliment the 2 modest Breda 12.7 mm cowl guns yet was still agile in contrast to Luftwaffe fighters with similar firepower. It reportedly fought over Buda-Pest as well as Berlin...etc. Imagine if this design was mass produced like the inferior Bf 109, instead of stopping at 48 when Italy surrendered!! Thus it was likely misidentified as a Messerschmitt.
David Griffiths, griffiths.david(@)orbital.com, 05.06.2008
The comment can be found in The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II: The Comprehensive Guide to Over ... By Chris Bishop has the line "..the survivors battling above the crumbling ruins of Berlin." I agree with Aero-Fox, no way were these flying over Berlin in 1945.
vincent fiore, vfiore2000(@)yahoo.com, 26.03.2008
It seams that all models produced in plasti are wrong. The canopy is too high and too short. compare photes you will see for yourself
Aero-Fox, 26.03.2008
This was a trult legendary aircraft, I have to say, I see it as one of the most attractive fighters of the war.
However, I'd have to disagree with the provided information...in all the Luftwaffe rosters I've seen, there is no mention of these aircraft...I doubt they would have fought over Berlin, in any case. By that time stores and production of aircraft fuel in Germany was at an all-time low...they were barely able to scramble ANY resistance...I doubt they would have given precious fuel to foreign-made planes over their own native designs.
3VI, landmania(@)libero.it, 16.10.2007
Me pare 'na monada...
federico, federicoscala(@)yahoo.it, 08.07.2007
"...the survivors battling above the crumbling rums of Berlin..." where did you find this information?
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Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?
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