Italian twin-engine Fighter-Bombers?

[Double T]

I could only find one.
IMAM Romeo Ro-57 bis.
It looks as though it might compare with the Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket.
Wondering if this plane actually entered service... and how it faired?

Tim

[GregP]

How about if I define an Attack plane to be a fighter-bomber?
How about a recon / night fighter? Does that qualify?

If so, I think the list should include:

1) Breda Ba-88 Lince
2) CANSA FC.20
3) Caproni Ca.331 Raffica
4) Fiat CR.25
5) IMAM Ro.57
6) IMAM Ro.58
7) Savioa-Marchetti SM.89
8) SIAI-Marchetti SM.90
9) SIAI-Marchetti SM.92

There are probably a few more that might qualify. I bet our site owner could fill this list in a bit.

[Red Admiral]

The Ro57 didn't enter service and was hampered by low powered radial engines.

The CR.25 did enter service, about 12 of them which effectively halted all of the offensive operations conducted by Blenheims on Malta.

The SM.90 just looks great.

[Mark J]

The I.M.A.M Ro 57 first flew in 1939, powered by 2 828hp Fiat a 74 R.C.38 engines and armed with 2 .50cal machineguns. It was of mixed wood and metal construction. Series production was not ordered until 1942 but then modified into fighter bombers. 200 were ordered but that number was dropped to 90 with only about 50 being completed. They could carry up to 2000lbs of bombs spread on 3 hardpoints. Top speed...311mph, empty weight...7700lbs, loaded weight...11000lbs, wingspan...41ft, lengh...29ft.
They flew with 97 Gruppo, starting in Feb 1943

The I.M.A.M Ro 58 was a better plane but only one was made.

cheers

[Ricky]

quote:Originally posted by Red Admiral

The CR.25 did enter service, about 12 of them which effectively halted all of the offensive operations conducted by Blenheims on Malta.

I had thought that the CR.25 was only a transport, but hey[:I].

http://www.comandosupremo.com/Cr25.html has a nice little history + data + picture. It states that 10 units were built, and 6 deployed in Sicily.

[GregP]

Hi Red Admiral.

I know the production numbers, but wanted to throw in some "obscure types." The topic was "Italian Twin-Engine Fighter Bombers," not "Production Italian Twin-Engine Fighter Bombers."

Your point is well taken, but they MIGHT nave been great planes ... you think? Hey, the Italians only made five Macchi-Castoldi MC.72s, but they were the fastest piston-engine floatplanes ever made.

Cheers.

[Red Admiral]

Personally, I love the Ca 380 "corsaro". It looks great and would probably have flown even better. The MC.72 is a good point, but 4 of them destroyed themselves. The Italians made great planes, but just not enough.