Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II
Reggiane · Italy · first flew 1940 · fighter
The Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II was an Italian World War II fighter that upgraded the Re.2000's radial engine for the more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 601 inline engine, significantly improving performance. It served in multiple roles including interceptor and night fighter.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.36 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian WWII inline-engine fighter derived from Re.2000
- Daimler-Benz liquid-cooled engine replacing radial
- Night fighter variant with radar operated from carriers briefly
Distinguished from the radial-engine Re.2000 by its longer, slimmer nose housing the liquid-cooled DB 601; shares the characteristic Reggiane mid-wing layout and tapered wingtip shape.
Specifications
- The Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II has a length of 8.36 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 542 km/h (337 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1940, the Re.2001 entered service with the Regia Aeronautica and saw action in the Mediterranean theatre, including the defence of Sicily and briefly operating from the aircraft carrier Aquila (which never entered service). A dedicated night fighter variant was also developed. Production numbers were limited by Italian industrial capacity constraints.
Variants
The Re.2001 CN (Caccia Notturna) was a night fighter variant with flame dampers; the Re.2001 OR was modified as a torpedo carrier. The Re.2001 Serie I and II had minor equipment differences.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the Regia Aeronautica from 1941 to 1943 in North Africa, Sicily, and Italian home defence; retired after Italy's armistice.
Related aircraft
- Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete
- Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I
- Reggiane Re.2003
- Reggiane Re.2004
- Arado Ar 240
- Bell XFL-1 Airabonita
- Bloch MB.700
- CANSA FC.12
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