Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario

The Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario (English: Archer, Sagittarius) was a monoplane fighter and fighter-bomber designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Reggiane. It was principally operated by the Regia Aeronautica during the later years of the Second World War, being the last of the Reggiane aircraft line to enter service during the conflict.

Along with the Macchi C.205 Veltro and Fiat G.55 Centauro, the Re.2005 was one of the three Serie 5 Italian fighters. It was specifically designed to be powered by the German-sourced Daimler-Benz DB 605 V-12 inline engine. The airframe was largely composed of light alloys while lines of the fuselage were streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency. Distinctive features of the aircraft included its semi-elliptical wings, lengthy nose and large tail unit; it was also the only Italian fighter aircraft of the conflict to be furnished with hydraulically-actuated flaps. One major drawback of the Re.2005 was a structural weakness present in the rear section of the fuselage. The prototype performed its maiden flight on 9 May 1942 and quantity production commenced during September of that same year.

Entering squadron service in April 1943, the Re.2005 participated in the defense of the Italian homeland, including of Naples, Rome and Sicily. In addition to its use by the Regia Aeronautica, the Luftwaffe also became interested in the type. However, the Re.2005 was never produced in large numbers, only 48 aircraft having been delivered before the Armistice of Cassibile was enacted in September 1943; production of the type came to an end during the following year. Nevertheless, both sides of the conflict operated the fighter in the closing months of the conflict; Re.2005s (in German insignia) were present during the final defense of Berlin in 1945. The type garnered a reputation of not only to be one of the best Axis wartime aircraft but also one of the best, if not the best-looking. British ace and military observer, Group Captain Duncan Smith, DSO DFC, stated that "The Re.2005 was altogether a superb, potent aeroplane".