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SEM Model 1/72 I.M.A.M. Ro.58 Long Range Heavy Fighter by Philippe Martin |
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Powered by two 1,175 h.p, Daimler-Benz DB 601A-1 twelve-cylinder inverted vee engines, the sole Ro 58 was tested at Guidonia in early 1943 as a prototype two-seat long-range heavy fighter, corresponding to the German Zerstӧrer (Destroyer) class, exemplified by the Messerschmitt Bf 110. Maneuverabilty of the Ro 58 proved to be excellent for a twin-engined fighter, and quantity production was planned using the FIAT R.A.1050 R.C.58 Tifone engine, the license-built version of the Daimler-Benz unit. These plans were upset by the end of the war. The Ro 58 was an all-metal low-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders. Armament consisted of five (5) forward-firing Mauser 20mm MG 151/20 cannons, two of these in a forward firing ventral bulge which could be removed and replaced by a bomb rack, and one 12.7-mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine gun in the rear cockpit. Empty and loaded weights were 9,590 lb. and 13,448 lb. Given the planes performance and heavy-armament, it would have proven effective against bomber formations flying at night and ground targets. Performance included a maximum speed of 376 m.p.h. at 17,060 ft., a cruising speed of 314 m.p.h., a service ceiling of 31,170 ft., and a range of 932 miles. Time to reach 19,680 ft was 9 min. Dimensions were: span 43 ft. 11 1/2 in., length 32 ft. 5 3/4 in., height 11 ft. 1 7/8 in., and a wing area of 282 sq. ft. |
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The IMAM Ro-58 was the successor to the smaller twin-engine fighter Ro.57. Bigger and powered by two DB-601s and equipped with not less than 5 x 20mm canons and a 12,7mm dorsal MG this plane would not have an opportunity to fight for its cause before the armistice. Till now there was only a basic model in vacuum but the SEM Models Ro.58 comes as a welcome addition for RA fans. Typical resin construction with scratch built ventral 2 x 20mm canon pod and other mods. |
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Aircraft: Meridionali Ro 58 Manufacturer: S.A. Industrie Meccaniche & Aeronautica Meridionali (I.M.A.M.) Type: Fighter Year: 1943 Engine: Two FIAT R.A.1050 R.C.58 Tifone, 12-cylinder vee, liquid-cooled, 1,175 hp each Wingspan: 43 ft 111/2 in (13.40 m) Length: 32 ft 53/4 in (9.90 m) Height: 11 ft 17/8 in (3.52 m) Weight: 13,448 lb (6100 kg) (Loaded) Maximum Speed: 376 mph (605 km/h) Ceiling: 31,170 ft (9500 m) Range: 932 miles (1500 km) Armament: 5 x 20mm MG 151/20 canons Crew: 2
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