The Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I was an Italian all metal, low-wing, monoplane developed end- nineteen thirties. It first flew in 1939. It had single engine with a Curtiss-style retractable undercarriage. Construction was from metal and it had a good endurance, far better than contemporary Macchis and Fiats. Two 12.7 mm Breda's (300 rounds each) were fitted. The Piaggio P.XI radial 980 hp engine was not very reliable and despite the aircraft having a good performance, the type was not considered satisfactory by Italian military authorities. Only a few aircraft were ordered and used by the Regia Aeronautica. The Reggiane Re.2000 was however ordered by Hungary (70 planes) and Sweden (60 planes)
Re.2000 ( Swedish J20 )
Sweden purchased various types of Italian warplanes in 1939–41, as due to the War circumstances no other nations were willing to supply aircraft to Sweden as neutral country. For the Swedish Air Force, 60 Re.2000 Serie I aircraft were bought, which received the Swedish designation J 20 and were delivered during 1941-43 during the Second World War. All of the J 20s were stationed at the F10 wing near Malmö. They were mainly used to intercept Axis and Allied bombers that violated Swedish airspace. Maintenance was a problem but nevertheless it was satisfactory. At the end of the war, the 37 J 20s that remained in service were so badly worn out that they were decommissioned in July 1945.
This Re.2000 Falco aircraft is preserved at the Swedish AF museumnear Linkoping, Sweden. Seen August 2012.
It has serial no 405, Sw AF/n 2340. It is the only preserved aircraft of this type in the world. It has transparant panels to show the interior and construction. Also, the typical Italian type camouflage patterns are seen.
Photographed by Peter Booij (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
In 1/72 scale various kits have appeared including Italeri, Legato, Special Hobby and SuperModel and in 1/48 scale from Classic Airframes and SMER.