Italy was not prepared for WWII. It was a nation set up for warfare against lesser opponents. It had pretty much mediocre equipment when compared to the major powers. This was quite true of its aviation industry. The industry was pretty much a few years behind the 'big boys' in terms of airframes and armament and even worse off when it came to aero engines. In fact, the majority of engines that were in Italian aircraft were license built versions of the power plants of other nations. However, they did build some very nice looking and well handling aircraft and prior to the armistice, had some planes, powered by German engines, that were the equal of the Allies.

Reggiane was one of those companies. A follow-on of Caproni, it did not lack from expertise and one of their products from 1939 was the Re.2000. Powered by license built French engine, it showed good performance. However, despite some success with a small pre-production batch, the Italian Air Force wasn't interested. Mainly because they already had the Fiat G.50 and Macchi 200. Where the aircraft was successful was with sales to the Swedes and the Hungarians.

With some development, it morphed into the Re.2002 fighter bomber, which saw action in 1943. It also was the basis for the Re.2003 two seat reconnaissance aircraft. This latter plane was only produced in a single example before the program was cancelled.

The author has provided what is so far, the most comprehensive look at the radial engine series that I've ever read. He goes into the full development of the type. It also covers not only Italian wartime use, but also for the Hungarian and Swedish versions. Post armistice, the Germans continued the production of the type with some modifications and that is covered. This includes a few wartime color images, which is always nice to see.

In line with others in this series, there is a section of large full color profiles, close ups of the extant airframes. This section includes images from wartime tech manuals. Of course, there are plans in 1/48 scale for all the versions. Finally, a section on camouflage and markings as well as a few interesting tables. It makes for a great book and one that I know that you will enjoy.

June 2023

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