IMAM Ro.57
Meridionali (IMAM) · Italy · first flew 1939 · fighter
The IMAM Ro.57 was an Italian twin-engine single-seat fighter and dive bomber that served with the Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War, offering a combination of fighter performance and ground-attack capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWII Italian twin-engine single-seat fighter/dive bomber
- Mid-wing layout with two radial engines in wing nacelles
- Single open cockpit forward of wing leading edge
Unusual twin-engine single-seat layout — two radials in a mid wing with a single cockpit forward is the key identifier. The sleek fuselage with no rear gunner position distinguishes it from twin-engine bombers.
Specifications
- The IMAM Ro.57 has a length of 8.8 m (29 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 501 km/h (311 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1939 and entering service in 1942, the Ro.57 was designed as a heavily armed twin-engine single-seater for the interceptor and dive-bombing role. It saw limited operational service in the Mediterranean theatre before being superseded.
Variants
The Ro.57bis was an improved version with a strengthened airframe for dive bombing.
Where you'll see it
Served in small numbers with the Regia Aeronautica from 1942 in the Mediterranean theatre.
Related aircraft
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