IMAM Ro.58
Industrie Meccaniche e Aeronautiche Meridionali · Italy · first flew 1942 · fighter
The IMAM Ro.58 was an Italian twin-engined, two-seat monoplane heavy fighter and attack aircraft, developed from the IMAM Ro.57.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Long hump over the fuselage housing the two crew |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-tailed low-wing monoplane similar in layout to the Messerschmitt Bf 110
- Long hump over the fuselage housing the two crew
- Two Daimler-Benz DB 601 engines
It was easily recognisable by a long hump over the fuselage that accommodated the two crew members. It was a twin-tailed aircraft, similar in layout to the Messerschmitt Bf 110, armed with five forward-firing MG 151 cannon.
Specifications
- The IMAM Ro.58 has a length of 9.89 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.4 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 605 km/h (376 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It first flew in May 1942 and was considered a general improvement over its predecessor, mainly through the substitution of Daimler-Benz DB 601 engines for the Fiat A.74 engines of the Ro.57. Initially it had many problems, and on the maiden flight only the proficiency of test pilot Adriano Mantelli saved the aircraft.
Variants
Only one Ro.58 was built. It was a development of the Ro.57, which had a single crew member rather than two.
Where you'll see it
Tested alongside an Me 410, it was found to be superior. By the time it was refined it was too late for Italy, and there were no resources even for single-engine fighters.
Related aircraft
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