Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete

Reggiane · Italy · first flew 1940 · fighter

The Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete (Ram) was an Italian World War II fighter-bomber developed from the Re.2000 with an improved radial engine. It was primarily employed as a dive-bomber and ground-attack aircraft.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.16 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Italian WWII radial-engine fighter-bomber
Based on Re.2000 with more powerful engine
Capable dive-bomber role alongside fighter duties

Similar in profile to the Re.2001 but with a more powerful radial engine, recognisable by the Reggiane family's characteristic mid-wing layout and elliptically rounded wingtips.

Specifications

The Reggiane Re.2002 Ariete has a length of 8.16 m (27 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

First flown in 1940, the Re.2002 entered service with the Regia Aeronautica and was used in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Its ability to carry a 640 kg bomb load made it valuable as a tactical strike aircraft. After Italy's armistice in 1943, some aircraft were captured and used by the Luftwaffe against Allied forces in Italy.

Variants

Derived from the Re.2000; the Re.2002 Serie I and II differed in minor equipment details. The Luftwaffe operated captured examples designated Re.2002 or under German inventory numbers.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Regia Aeronautica in the Mediterranean theatre 1942–1943; subsequently captured examples flew with the Luftwaffe in Italy in 1943–1944.

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