IMAM Ro.43
Meridionali (IMAM) · Italy · first flew 1934 · fighter
The IMAM Ro.43 was a two-seat floatplane biplane designed for reconnaissance and liaison from Italian Navy warships, catapult-launched from cruisers and battleships. It was the standard Italian shipborne floatplane during the Second World War.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine Italian floatplane biplane used from warships
- Central main float with two underwing stabilising floats
- Folding wings for shipboard stowage in catapult-equipped cruisers
A compact sesquiplane biplane with a large central float, two small wing-tip stabiliser floats, and folding wings. The radial engine with a narrow-chord cowling is characteristic.
Specifications
- The IMAM Ro.43 has a length of 9.71 m (32 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.57 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Officine Meccaniche Italiane Aeronautica (IMAM, known as Meridionali), the Ro.43 first flew in 1934 and entered Regia Marina service in 1936. It served throughout the Mediterranean campaign in World War II, conducting reconnaissance and occasionally engaging enemy aircraft. Production reached around 190 aircraft.
Variants
The Ro.44 was a single-seat fighter version of the same basic design. The Ro.43bis incorporated minor improvements.
Where you'll see it
Operated extensively by the Regia Marina during WWII from Italian cruisers and battleships in the Mediterranean. It remained in service until Italy's armistice in 1943.
Related aircraft
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