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SMER 1/50 Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I (Hawk) by Dmitry Lifanov |
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The Reggiane 2000 was a modern aircraft constructed entirely of metal under the general direction of Ing. Longhi. Following Longhi’s experiences in the United States he began design of this stellar aircraft; introducing new construction techniques to the Reggiane firm such as the use of aluminum and the construction of wings as a single piece. Looking at the aircraft there are some obvious similarities to the Seversky P-35; however the Re. 2000 was significantly more powerful and modern in its design. Comparative tests against the Me.109 E indicated the Re.2000 was more maneuverable and more stable in flight; in combat simulations with the Me.109 the Re.2000 demonstrated its marked superiority. However unfortunately the Falco’s engine, as it was christened, a Piaggio P.IX R.C. 40, was not always reliable; a handicap of the aircraft that it would carry to the end of its career. Unfortunately in spite of test flights and results, the Regia Aeronautica was still undecided, pointing out the location of the fuel tanks represented a serious risk to pilots (a similar problem with the P-47); this particular problem however did not deter foreign interest in the aircraft which included purchase orders from Sweden, Hungary and Britain. The purchase order from Britain would eventually be canceled because of war. Following the construction of the prototype, there followed four variants of the aircraft: an interceptor, a catapult launched version for the Regia Marina, the ‘bis’ and the G.A. (Grande Autonomia, Long Range Fighter). The 'bis' version was a transition aircraft before the definitive G.A. was put into production, brandishing a large additional fuel tank located behind the pilots seat as well as replacing the all glass canopy with the typical Italian scalloped headrest for safety purposes. The Re. 2000 was used by the newly formed Experimental Squadron of the 23o Gruppo, 3o Stormo based at Comiso and the 377a Sq., an Independent Squadron based at Palermo, Bocca di Falco Airforce Base and also with a section at Trapani. The 377a Sq. used the Re. 2000 extensively, and as it turned out was the only RA unit completely equipped with the fighter, having received the entire assignment to the Regia Aeronautica (18 aircraft); except those catapult types destined for use on the great battleships. From their deployment in Sicily, the Re. 2000 operated against Malta, dividing its missions into convoy escort, ground attack, the attacking of ports and interception. During one operation a Re.2000 of the 377a Sq. intercepted an British Blenheim shooting it down in the ensuing battle, this it seems being the only recorded aerial engagement of this squadron. |
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Ciao! Czech (SMER) incarnation of Italian Artiplast 70 years. Modest retro. Discussion about the copy and detail of the set to anything. Similar, okay. Extravagant scale, 1/50. The cast of dusty stamps, put away the decal. Reproduced Re 2000 Series 3, with a dull fairing. In a series of 1/50 of the set are not orphan: held in the hands of FIAT Cr 32 and Macchi 200. Can be, available and other airplanes. The drawings are not used, they will not help. Only photos, information from STORMO! Stock wheels replaced with homemade ones from 2K Tamiya epoxy putty. Changed the direction of the rotation of the propeller. New blades, new canopy slider. Canopy frames with foil. Made a skirt on the hood, imitation seams and snaps. I sanded all the surfaces. Navigation lights made from colored transparent plastic, thrust trim, antenna from fishing wire 0.1 mm, pitot tubes from an injection needle. Painted a combination of ready-made acrylic paints ARM Paint «spitfire green» and «74RLM», mixing and separately, at the bottom of a «light gray MiG-29». Verde and Grigio mimetico, on the general degree of similarity, tolerable. Color alternative offered of the Swedish air force, 1945 in camouflage. I hated it. Too mottled. Monochrome same dark surface sin not to rivet. Finishing effects with artistic oil paints. Enjoy watching! Dmitry Lifanov Novosibirsk, Sibiria |
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Aircraft: Caproni-Reggiane Re.2000 Manufacturer: Officine Meccaniche 'Reggiane' S.p.A. (Caproni) Type: Fighter Year: 1939 Engine: Piaggio P.XI RC 40, 14-cyclinder radial, air-cooled, 986hp Wingspan: 36.0 ft 1 in (11.0 m) Length: 26.0 ft 2 1/2 in (7.99 m) Height: 10.0 ft 6 in (3.20 m) Weight: 6,290 lb (2,850 kg) (Loaded) Maximum Speed: 329 mph (530 km/h) at 16,400 ft (5,000 m) Ceiling: 34,450 ft (10,500 m) Range: 870 miles (1,400 km) Armament: 2 x 12.7 mm (0.5 in) BREDA-SAFAT machine guns Crew: 1 |
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July, 2019 STORMO! © 2019 |