Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I

Reggiane · Italy · first flew 1939 · fighter

The Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I was a sleek Italian single-seat fighter of 1939, notable for its elliptical wing planform and smooth stressed-skin construction. Though the Regia Aeronautica showed limited interest, it was exported to Hungary and Sweden.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, elliptical
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.99 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Elliptical wing plan reminiscent of the Spitfire
Single radial engine Italian fighter
Flush-riveted smooth skin with retractable undercarriage

The elliptical wing is the most striking feature, earning comparisons to the Spitfire; the prominent radial engine and the smooth, flush-riveted fuselage distinguish it from most Italian contemporaries.

Specifications

The Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I has a length of 7.99 m (26 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 530 km/h (329 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Roberto Longhi with clear Seversky P-35 influence, the Re.2000 first flew in May 1939 and demonstrated excellent performance. The Regia Aeronautica rejected it for structural fuel tank concerns, but Hungary ordered 70 aircraft as the Héja and Sweden purchased several. The design formed the basis for the improved Re.2001 and Re.2002 series.

Variants

The Re.2001 Falco II used an inline Daimler-Benz engine; the Re.2002 Ariete was a fighter-bomber. The Hungarian licence-built version was called the Héja.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Hungary's Magyar Királyi Légierő on the Eastern Front and by the Swedish Air Force for evaluation; limited Italian naval catapult use.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.