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{{Short description|1939 Italian fighter}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
| name = Re.2000 ''Falco'' I
| image = Re2000.jpg
| image_border = yes
| caption = 
| type = [[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]]
| national_origin = Italy
| manufacturer = [[Reggiane]]
| designer = Roberto Longhi
| first_flight = 24 May 1939
| introduction = 1940
| retired = July 1945 ([[Swedish Air Force]])
| status = Retired
| primary_user = ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''
| more_users = {{plainlist|
* [[Hungarian Air Force]]
* ''[[Luftwaffe]]''
* [[Swedish Air Force]]
}}
| produced = 
| number_built = 186 (+204 Hungarian [[MÁVAG Héja|MÁVAG Héja IIs]])
| unit cost = 
| developed_from = 
| variants = {{plainlist|
* [[MÁVAG Héja]] (Hungarian-made fighter based on the Re.2000)
* [[Reggiane Re.2001]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2002]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2003]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2004]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2005]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2006]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2007]]
}}
| developed_into = 
}}
The '''Reggiane Re.2000 ''Falco'' I''' is an Italian all metal, low-wing [[monoplane]] developed and manufactured by aircraft company [[Reggiane]]. The type was used by the ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]'' (Italian Air Force) and the [[Swedish Air Force]] during the first part of the [[World War II|Second World War]].

The Re 2000 was developed by a team headed by aircraft designers Roberto Longhi and Antonio Alessio to be a lightly built and highly maneuverable [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]]/[[fighter (aircraft)|fighter]] aircraft. The emergent design, which had been designated as the ''Re 2000 Falco I'', was equipped with a [[Curtiss-Wright]]-style retractable undercarriage, bore substantial similarities to the American-built [[Seversky P-35]]. On 24 May 1939, the prototype performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name= "Ethell p. 72.">Ethell 1995, p. 72.</ref> Flight testing of the prototype revealed it to be able to outfight several significant combat aircraft of the time, including even the more modern [[Macchi C 200]] and the German [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Messerschmitt Bf 109E]] fighters. During the run up to and following the outbreak of the Second World War, the aircraft was ordered by several nations, including the [[Hungary|Hungarian]], [[Sweden|Swedish]], [[United Kingdom|British]] and Italian governments.

Upon entering squadron service, the Re 2000 soon proved to be a technically advanced aircraft, being well balanced and extremely aerodynamic during flight, but was not without its faults.<ref name="Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214">Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214.</ref> Although the aircraft was potentially superior to Italian contemporary fighters ([[Fiat G 50]] and [[Macchi C 200]]), the Re 2000 was not considered to be satisfactory by Italian military authorities. Consequently, the manufacturer built the type for export and almost all of the first production served with the [[Swedish Air Force]] and [[Hungarian Air Force]], rather than in the Regia Aeronautica.<ref name= "Snedden p. 53.">Snedden 1997, p. 53.</ref> The Re.2000 served as the starting point for several derivatives, including the [[MÁVAG Héja]], [[Reggiane Re.2001]], [[Reggiane Re.2002|Re.2002]], [[Reggiane Re.2003|Re.2003]], [[Reggiane Re.2004|Re.2004]], [[Reggiane Re.2005|Re.2005]], [[Reggiane Re.2006|Re.2006]] and [[Reggiane Re.2007|Re.2007]] combat aircraft.

==Development==
===Background===
During 1938, the [[Italian Air Ministry]] launched ''Programme R'', a comprehensive effort targeted towards the enactment of several improvements, both qualitative and quantitative, throughout the ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]'' (Italian Air Force).<ref name = "catt 3"/> At the time, those fighter aircraft under consideration for their potential adoption had either already reached the prototype phase of development (such as the [[Fiat G.50]] and the [[Macchi C.200]]) or were within advanced stages of development (like the [[Aeronautica Umbra Trojani AUT.18]] and the [[Caproni Vizzola F.5]]). However, only one aircraft, designated as the Re 2000 by Italian aircraft manufacturer [[Reggiane]], was intentionally designed with the intention of competing for orders under Programme R in mind.<ref name = "catt 3">Cattaneo 1967, p. 3.</ref>

During 1938, work commenced at Reggiane on a new fighter design; the company's design team, which was headed by Roberto Longhi and Antonio Alessio, set about designing an aircraft that would be offered to the Air Ministry that would not only meet but exceed the requirements of Programme R.<ref name="Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214"/><ref name = "catt 3"/> Having very little time, the company considered various options, including the potential for manufacturing an American-developed fighter aircraft [[Licensed production|under license]], however, under the influence of [[Aerospace engineering|aeronautical engineer]] [[Giovanni Battista Caproni]], a completely new design was rapidly prepared.<ref name = "catt 3"/> The design team took inspiration from the contemporary American fighter [[Seversky P-35]], which Re.2000 would superficially resemble; according to aviation author Gianni Cattaneo, the design "displayed evidence of fairly strong American influence...certain structural characteristics were strongly reminiscent of the American school, particularly of the Seversky P-35".<ref name = "catt 3"/><ref>Cappone, Max C.A. [http://planesandpilotsofww2.webs.com/Reggiane.html "Reggiane RE 2000 Falco (Hawk): The Regia Aeronautica: American".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510185217/http://planesandpilotsofww2.webs.com/Reggiane.html |date=2015-05-10 }} ''Planes and Pilots of World War Two'', Retrieved: 23 June 2011.</ref> Refinement of the Re 2000's aerodynamic characteristics greatly benefitted from a series of [[wind tunnel]] tests held at Caproni's facility in [[Taliedo]], [[Milan]].<ref name = "catt 4">Cattaneo 1967, p. 4.</ref>

===Flight testing===
On 24 May 1939, the prototype Re 2000 conducted its [[maiden flight]] at [[Reggio Emilia]], [[Emilia-Romagna]], Italy, flown by [[Mario De Bernardi]].<ref name = "catt 4"/><ref name="State p.57">Green and Swanborough 1990, p. 57.</ref> According to Cattaneo, early flights had quickly demonstrated the type's favourable flying attitude, including good speed and high manoeuvrability. Only minor modifications were required after the successful completion of the initial factory flight test programme; these including changes to the exhaust, the lengthening of the [[carburetor]] air intake, and the replacement of the round windshield with a framed counterpart.<ref name = "catt 4"/> Following the completion of armament trials at [[Furbara]], [[Santa Marinella]], in August 1939, the prototype was delivered to the Experimental Establishment of the Regia Aeronautica to commence its formal evaluation.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

During its original set of trials held at Guidonia by the ''Regia Aeronautica'', conducted throughout late 1939, the prototype was able to attain a speed of 518&nbsp;km/h at an altitude of 5,250 m, along with 506&nbsp;km/h at 6,000 m; it also climbed to 6,000 m in 6.5 minutes and demonstrated an 11,500 m altitude ceiling. Throughout the test flights, the aircraft showed that it was capable of excellent performance levels, and on several occasions, it demonstrated the ability to perform better than other existing fighters then in production.<ref name="Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214"/> In mock [[dogfight]]s, it could successfully fight not only the slower [[Fiat CR.42 Falco|Fiat CR 42]] biplane,<ref>'L'aviazione', De Agostini, Novara 1986, vol 12. p. 156.</ref> but even the more modern [[Macchi C 200]] and the German [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Messerschmitt Bf 109E]] fighters.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

However, an unfavourable technical report of the prototype was also produced by the Directorate of Aeronautical Construction of the Air Ministry.<ref name = "catt 4"/> Amongst its findings, it judged the placing of the integral fuel tanks within the wings to be highly vulnerable and prone to leaks, as well as posing some difficulty to manufacture. The negative conclusions of the technical report directly led to an initial order for 12 pre-production aircraft, which had been drafted towards the latter half of the flight test programme, to be cancelled, along with the instruction to proceed given to Reggiane to prepare the tooling necessary for a wider production run of 188 aircraft.<ref name = "catt 4 5">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 4-5.</ref> While some consideration was made at Reggiane towards the adoption of a more conventional three-spar wing with normal fuel tanks instead, only a prototype conforming to this configuration was authorised (this subsequently became the basis for the [[Reggiane Re.2002]] ground attack aircraft).<ref name = "catt 5">Cattaneo 1967, p. 5.</ref>

===Further development===
The Re.2000GA (Grande Autonomia) version featured additional 340-liter fuel tanks, which was primarily achieved by sealing off the cells of the outer wing structure, to function as a modern long range reconnaissance aircraft for the ''Regia Marina'' ([[Italian Navy]]).<ref name = "catt 5"/> This version was intended to have been used to reach [[East Africa|Eastern Africa]]; during 1941, the Italian government was keen to acquire an aircraft which would be able to fly directly from Italy to [[Ethiopia]]. By adopting the Re.2000GA, Italy would be able send reinforcements to the units of the ''Regia Aeronautica'' far easier, unlike a batch of 51 C.R.42s that had to be disassembled and air-transported by the large [[Savoia-Marchetti SM.82]]s instead.<ref name = "catt 5"/> However, the Re.2000GA was not ready to enter operational service until after the [[Armistice of Cassibile]], Italy's surrender to the [[Allies of World War II|Allied Powers]], had already come into effect.

In comparison to the standard production Re.2000s, the newer Re.2000GA variant was heavier and significantly slower, possessing an empty weight of 2,190&nbsp;kg compared to the Re.2000's 2,080&nbsp;kg along with a maximum speed of 520&nbsp;km/h at 5,300 meters. The armament was a pair of 12.7&nbsp;mm SAFAT machineguns, complete with 600 rounds, along with provisions for a Nardi dispenser capable of housing 88 2&nbsp;kg [[Cluster munition|bomblet]]s (this was a typical 'special armament' for the Re.2000). The Re.2000GA was never considered to be highly reliable, even by Re.2000 standards, especially due to its troublesome engine.

The Re.2000bis, equipped with the more powerful P XI bis radial engine, was only manufactured in small numbers. Reportedly, by August 1941, only nine examples had been delivered to the newly formed 377a Squadron.

==Design==
The Reggiane Re.2000 is an Italian all metal, low-wing [[monoplane]] fighter aircraft. It is the first aircraft to be designed by Reggiane to employ [[Aluminium|aluminum]] [[stressed skin]] construction, as opposed to the wooden or mixed wood and metal structures that had been traditionally used in contemporary Italian aircraft such as the [[Savoia-Marchetti SM.79]] (which had been previously produced by Reggiane under license). The stressed skin fuselage was highly [[streamlined]], save for the protrusions of the hard-[[rivet]]ted finish.<ref name = "catt 4"/> The majority of the aircraft's exterior, including the tail, was metal-skinned; however, the control surfaces had [[fabric]] coverings.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

In addition to the stressed-skin construction, Reggiane introduced several advanced features on the Re.2000, such as a modern structure, which was considerably more advanced than the ones used in Macchi's and other Italian fighters of the time, along with an [[elliptical wing]] profile. Overall, the design possessed greater aerodynamic sophistication in comparison to other Italian rivals such as the Fiat G.50 and [[Macchi C.200]].<ref name = "catt 3 4"/> The Re.2000 was furnished with retractable [[landing gear]]; the main gear retracted via the [[Curtiss]] method, the wheels rotating around to face flat within the wheel wells when retracted.<ref name = "catt 4"/> The atypical fairing covered the landing gear's actuation mechanism, while the legs incorporated [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] [[shock absorber]]s and drag struts to effectively absorb loads; [[pneumatics|pneumatic]] [[brake]]s were also fitted. The tail wheel was both retractable and steerable.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

However, according to Cattaneo, the Re.2000 was afflicted by a major handicap in the form of the unavailability of reliable in-line engines of sufficient power; as such, the RE.2000 was able to represent only a limited advance over the Macchi C.200.<ref name = "catt 3"/> The Re.2000 was powered by a single [[Piaggio P.XI|Piaggio P.XI RC 40]] [[radial engine]], which was capable of generating a maximum of {{convert|986|hp|abbr=on}} of thrust; this drove a [[Piaggio]]-built three-blade [[Constant-speed propeller|constant speed]] [[Variable-pitch propeller (aeronautics)|variable-pitch propeller]].<ref name = "catt 4"/> This engine proved to be a major weak point of the aircraft in service as it proved to be not altogether reliable.<ref name="Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214"/> Despite the limitation imposed by a lack of suitable engines, the fighter remained a relatively compact and balanced design.<ref name = "catt 3 4">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 3-4.</ref>

The aircraft was furnished with an [[elliptical wing]], the internal structure of which comprised a multi-cell configuration using a total of five [[Spar (aeronautics)|spar]]s, stress-skin covering, and [[integral fuel tank]]s within the center section.<ref name = "catt 4"/> The wing made use of a modified N.38 [[airfoil]] section and was outfitted with [[Aileron#Frise ailerons|Frise-type ailerons]] complete with static and aerodynamic balance, along with a split-continuous flap.<ref name = "catt 4"/> The cockpit of the Re.2000 featured a large backwards-sliding canopy; it is claimed that this canopy provided "almost unrestricted all-round visibility".<ref name = "catt 4"/>

The armament comprised a pair of 12.7&nbsp;mm [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]]s, housing 300 rounds each, installed in the upper fuselage; in addition, provisions were made for the fitting of [[cluster bomb|bomblet]]-dispensers (''spezzoniera''). It was also possible to install a [[gun camera]], while a small internal bay could be used to hold a few 4.4&nbsp;lb (2&nbsp;kg) [[Incendiary ammunition|incendiary]] bombs.<ref name = "catt 4"/> This armament, while typical amongst Italian-built aircraft at the time, was relatively light in comparison to foreign-built rivals then being constructed; additional weapons, such as the installation of a pair of wing-mounted guns, was studied but never applied.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

The Re.2000 had no fuel tanks contained within the fuselage; nevertheless, using the entirety of the wing's internal volume for fuel tankage, it could house a maximum of 460&nbsp;kg (640 L) of gasoline, providing it with a 900–1,100&nbsp;km endurance, far in excess of its contemporary rivals built by Macchi and Fiat. However, the Re.2000 was considered to be not as rugged as its Macchi-built contemporaries; specifically, its fuel tanks were considered to be vulnerable, which were not of the [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing]] variety then becoming popular in military service.<ref>Sgarlato 2006, pp. 22–25.</ref> It has been claimed that this lack of durability had been a major factor when, following an official evaluation by the ''Regia Aeronautica'', the service decided to reject the type.<ref name= "Ethell p. 72."/><ref name = "catt 4 5"/>

==Operational history==
===Overview===
Following the decision of the ''Regia Aeronautica'' to reject the Re.2000 and cancel its pre-production order,<ref name= "Ethell p. 72."/> the Italian government authorised Reggiane to promote the type for sales on the global market to international customers, effectively offering the programme a reprieve. Enthusiastic, the company decided to proceed with the production of the original batch of 188 fighters that had been cancelled as a private venture so that immediate delivery could be offered to foreign customers.<ref name = "catt 5 7">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 5, 7.</ref>

Reggiane rapidly set about marketing the Re.2000 towards various interested countries, many of which had been incentivised towards such purchases as a consequence of the breaking out of the Second World War.<ref name = "catt 5"/> The type met with a level of success, with several countries being keen to place orders for the type. Accordingly, the Re.2000 was much more prominently used by the [[Hungary|Hungarian]] and [[Sweden|Swedish]] air forces than by the ''Regia Aeronautica'' at home. In fact, 80 per cent of the total Re.2000 production went to these two countries; Hungary having ordered 70 aircraft and Sweden opting to procure a batch of 60 machines. Other countries had also exhibited interest in the aircraft, but ultimately did not place orders for the type.<ref name="Angelucci and Matricardi 1978, p. 214"/>

===British interest===
In December 1939, a British commission, led by [[Lord Hardwick]] and [[Air Ministry]] representatives, arrived in Italy for the purpose of purchasing various pieces of military equipment; aside from items such as [[Marine propulsion|marine engine]]s, armaments and [[Reconnaissance aircraft|light reconnaissance bomber]]s, the delegation sought to procure of around 300 Re.2000s.<ref name = "catt 7">Cattaneo 1967, p. 7.</ref> During January 1940, the Director of Aircraft Contracts confirmed the British order. The German government issued its approval of the sale in March of the same year, but withdrew its approval during the following month.<ref name = "catt 7"/> In light of this, the Italian and British governments then decided to complete the contract through the Italian [[Caproni]]’s [[Portugal|Portuguese]] subsidiary as to side-step Germany's objection; however, the British order was cancelled as a consequence of [[Military history of Italy during World War II#Italy enters the war: June 1940|Italy's entry into the Second World War]] on 10 June 1940.<ref name="Duncan-Smith 1981, pag. 174">Duncan-Smith 1981, p. 174.</ref><ref name = "catt 7 8">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 7-8.</ref>

===Italy===
[[File:Reggiane2000 San Diego Air Space Museum 1.jpg|thumb|Re.2000]]

Only five ''Serie'' Is served in the [[Regia Aeronautica]], including the prototype. They were organized into the ''Sezione Sperimentale Reggiane'' inside the 74a ''Squadriglia'' in [[Sicily]]. Later it was renamed ''377a Squadriglia Autonoma Caccia Terrestre'', and received nine further Serie III Re.2000bis; 12 of the 26 Reggianes were later converted to GA standard.

The few Re.2000 and 2000GA were used over Mediterranean Sea as escort and attack aircraft, sometimes with Macchi 200/202s and FIAT CR 25 two-engine fighters. 377a was based in Sicily, and fought in [[Malta]] and [[Pantelleria]], mainly in an escort role and protecting Axis ships almost until Tunisia (with a range up to 300–350&nbsp;km), well beyond the other RA single seat-fighters; sometimes it was used to attack Malta with bomblets (''spezzoni'') and machine guns, typically at dawn. It reported a single 'kill' against a [[Bristol Blenheim]]. Overall, their service was not remarkable: there was at least one sudden fatal [[Flat spin (aviation)|flat spin]], while another Re.2000 had fatal engine damage (a piston was literally driven through the cylinder) and crash-landed, overturning, catching fire and almost killing its pilot (rescued by the ground crew). Although the Reggiane had a long range, it was disliked and even feared by ground crew and pilots, for its difficult maintenance and unpredictable engine reliability and handling.<ref>Malizia, Nicola. ''Il Reggiane RE 2000''. Rome: Ateneo & Bizzarri, 1978.</ref> The last Re.2000 was sent back to the factory in September 1942.

The final fate of Re.2000 in ''Regia Aeronautica'' was to serve with 1° ''Nucleo Addestramento Intercettori'' (N.A.I.), based at [[Treviso]], and serving for experimental purposes until the Armistice. The last two serviceable aircraft were demolished by the Germans, with another one destroyed after being captured at [[Furbara]].

The ''[[Regia Marina]]'' (Italian Navy), however, experimented with a [[Aircraft carrier|carrier]] version (''Serie'' II) which was successfully launched by [[Aircraft catapult|catapult]]. Lacking a carrier, Italy used a similar system to the British CAM ships equipped with Hurricanes. The first proposal was made in late December 1940, although the program officially began with an order issued in April 1943.<ref name = "catt 6">Cattaneo 1967, p. 6.</ref> The first modified '''Re.2000 Cat.''' (taken from the Swedish orders) flew on 27 June 1941, the last on 18 January 1942 (MM.8282-8288), but crashed on 10 September. There was another navalized Re.2000, the MM.471. It flew initially with a lower powered A.74 RC.38 engine, but it was lost too, during the travel from [[Reggio Emilia]] to [[Taranto]] (12 May 1941). The first launch was performed on 9 May 1942 with test pilot Giulio Reiner.<ref name="Harrauer"/> The work to make suitable the Re.2000 Cat., nicknamed ''Ochetta'' (little goose) took considerable time and only at the beginning of 1943 were they used aboard the [[Littorio-class battleship|''Littorio'' class]], but not more than one for every ship (although capable of holding three aircraft). Initially the Re.2000 Cat. aircraft were issued to {{ship|Italian battleship|Littorio||2}} and {{ship|Italian battleship|Vittorio Veneto||2}}, while {{ship|Italian battleship|Roma|1940|2}} followed only in the summer, after testing had taken place aboard the RN ''Miraglia''.<ref name="Harrauer">Harrauer, Franco. "Re.2000 Catapultabile." ''Aerei nella Storia,'' W.Ward editions, Parma ago-September 2008, pp. 49–50.</ref><ref name = "catt 6 7">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 6-7.</ref>

The Re.2000 Cat. was slower than a standard Re.2000; instead of {{convert|515–530|km/h|mph kn}}, the maximum speed was only {{convert|505–520|km/h|mph kn}} at {{convert|5500|m|ft|-1}} &nbsp;km/h at 5,500 m, and {{convert|390|km/h|mph kn}} at sea level compared with {{convert|541|km/h|mph kn}} for the Re.2000. The climb to 6,000 m was 7,75 min (vs 6,5-7 min), apparently there was not much difference in ceiling 10,000–11,100 m and endurance, range was 450&nbsp;km, endurance 1,000&nbsp;km (at 460&nbsp;km/h), up to km 1,290 (at m 6,000, full loaded, km/h 430). Weights were 2,120–2,870 or, probably with the complete kit, 2,200–2,970&nbsp;kg; the engine was the P.XIbis, that had {{convert|1000|hp|abbr=on}} both at take-off and at 4,000 meters.<ref name="Harrauer"/> Differing from the Serie I, both Serie II and III variants were equipped with radios.<ref name= "Snedden p. 53."/> There was the usual Italian armament (two 0.50 caliber Breda machine-guns with 300 rounds each), and some provisions for external loads (tanks or bombs), apparently never utilized.

The Re.2000 were assigned to ''Squadriglia di Riserva Aerea delle FF.NN.BB.'' (air reserve squadron for naval battleships), led by Captain Donato Tondi. This was initially based at [[Taranto-Grottaglie Airport|Grottaglie]], then at [[Naples International Airport|Capodichino]] and finally at [[La Spezia]], as air defence for naval bases. The squadron disbanded in April 1943 and was replaced by the 1° Gr. Riserva Aerea delle FF.NN.BB, led by now Maj. Tondi, with three flights. It had all the eight Re.2000s and several old fighters. Many of them were aboard the battleships: two for ''Vittorio Veneto'' and ''Roma'', one for ''Littorio'' (summer 1943).

Six Re.2000 Cat.s were still available at the time of the Armistice and four were in service aboard the battleships ''Italia'' (''Littorio'' before the fall of Mussolini), ''Roma'' and ''Vittorio Veneto'' (the normal load was only one, the battleship had up to three aircraft, but smaller than the Re.2000). The two left at La Spezia were demolished after September 1943 (they served with 1a Squadriglia). During the ''Roma''{{'}}s sinking (9 September 1943) only one was launched, as they were a single mission aircraft (forced to reach a land airfield); therefore, Do 217s attacked facing only [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-aircraft]] guns. The fate of the four Re.2000s was as follows: the one on ''Roma'' was lost with the battleship; the one of ''Italia'' was damaged and jettisoned from the ship, after the [[Fritz-X]] impact. One Re.2000 was launched from ''Vittorio Veneto'' to catch the intruders, but failed and finally crashed while landing near [[Ajaccio]] airfield. The last one survived and it is still extant, being the only Re.2000 remaining in Italy (another is in Sweden). This is the MM.8287.<ref name="Harrauer"/>

===Hungary===
Even before the war started, German leaders were reluctant to supply German aircraft to the [[Hungarian Air Force|Royal Hungarian Air Force]] (''Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő'', MKHL), which was seen to be focused on home defense and the possibility of conflict with neighboring [[Kingdom of Romania|Romania]]. Furthermore, the deliveries of German aircraft went primarily to front-line formations rather than to home defense units. Moreover, [[Adolf Hitler]] held a bad opinion of the Hungarian aviators, expressing this view in early 1942 when Hungary issued another request for German-built fighters. "They would not use the single-seaters against the enemy but just for pleasure flights!... What the Hungarians have achieved in the aviation field to date is more than paltry. If I am going to give some aircraft, then rather to the Croats, who have proved they have an offensive spirit. To date, we have experienced only fiascos with the Hungarians."<ref>Neulen 2000, pp. 130–131.</ref> So, the Hungarian Air Force (MKHL) obtained much of their aircraft from Italy instead. This would change in October 1942, from which point the Germans would give the Hungarians modern German aircraft and their licenses.

Early in the war, the [[Hungarian Air Force|MKHL]] was a significant purchaser of Italian aircraft and can be said to have been the main operator of the Re.2000 through their extensive use of [[MÁVAG Héja]]s. Hungary bought 70 Reggiane Re.2000 Falco Is and then also acquired the license-production rights for this model. The Hungarians used their own modified Re.2000s known as MÁVAG Héja Is ("''Hawk'' Is"), and produced their own heavily modified fighters known as MÁVAG Héja IIs ("''Hawk'' IIs") which were based on the Re.2000. A total of 204 MÁVAG Héja IIs were built.<ref name= "Neulen p. 121.">Neulen 2000, p.121.</ref><ref name = "catt 8 9">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 8-9.</ref> According to other sources, between 170 and 203 aircraft were constructed.

The MÁVAG Héja I was used in combat on the [[Eastern Front (WWII)|Eastern Front]]. MÁVAG Héja IIs were not used on the Eastern Front; instead, Héja IIs operated inside Hungary in an [[Interceptor aircraft|air defense role]], intercepting [[bomber]]s or as [[Trainer aircraft|advanced trainers]].<ref name=":2"/> When introduced, the modern Héja was an upgrade over the [[List of aircraft of Hungary in World War II|fighters that Hungary was operating]], but eventually, it was replaced by the [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Bf 109]] ([[Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants#F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6|F-4]] and [[Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants#Bf 109G|G]] variants) when Germany gave Hungary access to them. From October 1942 until the end of the war, [[Messerschmitt Bf 109 operational history#Combat service with Hungary|Hungarian pilots flew Bf 109s]] – both those supplied by Germany and those that were [[Licensed production|license produced]] in Hungary. The Bf 109 became Hungary's main fighter and bore the brunt of the fighting, while Héjas remained as reserves and trainers.

Unfortunately, the Re.2000s received by Hungary were plagued with issues. They had faulty [[Aircraft throttle|throttles]], machine guns that often [[Firearm malfunction|jammed]] or were misaligned, [[Aircraft canopy|canopy panels]] that fell out during flight, and wing skin damage.<ref>Punka 2001, p. 11.</ref> These issues led to one aircraft being lost but were eventually corrected. Also, the wing [[Aircraft fuel tank|fuel tanks]] of the Re.2000s received by Hungary were poorly sealed, with many of them leaking.<ref name=":02">Punka 2001, p. 17.</ref> When these Re.2000s were modified into Héja Is, the wing fuel tanks were left unchanged, so this issue remained, and many flew with constantly leaking fuel tanks.

The MÁVAG Héja I had a Hungarian engine, a different propeller, armor for the pilot, an additional 100 L fuel tank (in the fuselage, [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing]]), a radio, a lengthened fuselage, and other changes differentiating it from the Re.2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hebime |date=1 October 2018 |title=WT Live // Differences between the Italian Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I and the Hungarian MÁVAG Héja I |url=https://live.warthunder.com/post/778161/en/ |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=live.warthunder.com |language=en}}</ref> The MÁVAG Héja II retained some of the changes from the Héja I but also had much better Hungarian machine guns installed (12.7&nbsp;mm [[Ferenc Gebauer|Gebauer]] 1940.M GKMs), replacing the original Italian ones, and the larger (often leaking) [[Aircraft fuel tank|fuel tanks]] in the wings were replaced with 22 smaller 20-25 L ones. Surprisingly, the fuel tank changes noticeably improved the fighter's stability by reducing [[Sloshing|fuel sloshing]] in the tank.<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=P. |first=Marko |date=2021-02-12 |title=Re.2000 "Héja" |url=https://plane-encyclopedia.com/ww2/re-2000-heja/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Plane-Encyclopedia |language=en-US}}</ref> It also had a newer, more powerful (1085&nbsp;hp) Hungarian engine – the WM K-14B, a redesigned [[cowling]], a larger Hungarian-made [[Manfréd Weiss Steel and Metal Works|Weiss Manfréd]] propeller, and more changes further differentiating it from the Re.2000.<ref>Punka 2001, p. 16.</ref>

The Re.2000s received from Italy were modified into MÁVAG Héja Is in Hungary. Then they were sent to [[Debrecen]] to strengthen home defenses, as there was a danger that the growing crisis over [[Transylvania]] could lead to a conflict with Romania. However, conflict was avoided, and the Héja Is were used on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]] in the war against the [[Soviet Union]].<ref name="Neulen p. 121." />
[[File:A Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő Reggiane Re-2000 Falco (Héja) típusú vadászgépe. Fortepan 52958.jpg|thumb|222x222px|A Hungarian MÁVAG Héja I in 1943]]
The first seven MÁVAG Héja Is were sent to the Eastern Front on an experimental basis during the summer/autumn of 1941.<ref name="catt 9">Cattaneo 1967, p. 9.</ref> Flying alongside the [[Fiat CR.32]]s of 1/3 Fighter Company, the Héja I pilots claimed eight kills for one loss during three months of combat against the [[Soviet Air Forces|Soviet Air Force]].<ref name="Punka p. 7." /> In the summer of 1942, the Hungarian Air Force contributed with its 1st ''Repülőcsoport'' (aviation detachment) to the German offensive ''[[Case Blue|Fall Blau]]''. 1/1 Fighter Group (1./I ''Vadász Osztály''), equipped with 13 Héja Is,<ref name="Bergström-Dikov-Antipov p. 21.">Bergström-Dikov-Antipov- 2006, p. 21.</ref> reached its first front base near [[Kursk]] on 2 July. By 3 August, 2/1 FS joined the other Hungarian fighter unit that had moved to [[Ilovskoye]] airfield. The task of 2/1 was to escort short-range [[reconnaissance aircraft]], while 1/1 would support bombing missions.<ref name="Punka p. 7.">Punka 2002, p. 7.</ref>

Combat performance against the [[Soviet Air Force]] was satisfactory. On 4 August, the Hungarians claimed their first kills<!-- First kills? They already claimed 8 kills in autumn 1941 in the paragraph above? Please elaborate. -->, when Ens Vajda shot down two enemy aircraft.<ref name="Punka p. 7." /> The first Hungarian [[Flying ace|ace]] of the war, 2/Lt Imre Pánczél, claimed his first air victories while flying the Héja I, three of them in one sortie, in 1942.<ref name="Shores p. 103.">Shores 1983, p. 103.</ref> 
[[File:Horthy István a Héja repülőben.jpg|thumb|[[István Horthy]] in his MÁVAG Héja I]]
The Hungarian Héja Is had their most successful day on 9 August 1942. That day, near the village of Davidovka, 16 [[Ilyushin Il-2]]s and a similar number of [[LaGG-3]]s were intercepted by four Héja Is.<ref name="Punka p. 8.">Punka 2002, p. 8.</ref> The Hungarians downed four LaGGs, suffering the loss of the Héja I of Lt Takács, who crash-landed behind his own lines, wounded.<ref name="Punka p. 9." />

However, the Héja I's flight characteristics were markedly different from the Fiat CR.32, from which Hungarian pilots frequently converted. The Héja I was much more prone to handling difficulties, especially [[stall (flight)|stall]]s and [[spin (flight)|spin]]s, as well as reliability issues. All of the 24 Héja Is had suffered accidents (minor and major) within a month of combat deployment.<ref name="Punka p. 7." />

Landing and takeoff accidents were common on the rudimentary Soviet airfields due to the Héja I's unchanged [[landing gear]] inherited from the Re.2000. The Re.2000's landing gear was not as rugged and sturdy as the CR.32's gear. After a steel plate was added behind the cockpit for the protection of the pilots, the shift in the aircraft's [[Center of gravity of an aircraft|center of gravity]] led to more frequent accidents. In a highly publicized accident, 1/Lt [[István Horthy]] (the eldest son of the Hungarian [[regent]] [[Miklós Horthy]]), serving as a fighter pilot with the [[Hungarian Second Army]], died flying his Héja I ''V.421'' with 1/3 Fighter Squadron on 20 (on 18, according to other authors)<ref name="Punka p. 9.">Punka 2002, p. 9.</ref> August 1942, on his 25th operational sortie. István was very popular in Hungary, was [[Pro-western|pro-Western]], was opposed to the [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] and often publicly criticized [[Nazism]], despite [[Kingdom of Hungary (1920–1946)|Hungary]] being a part of the [[Axis powers|Axis]]. Shortly after takeoff, a pilot flying above asked István Horthy to increase his altitude, he pulled up too suddenly, stalled and crashed.<ref name="Neulen p. 127.">Neulen 2000, p. 127.</ref> According to other sources, his aircraft entered a [[Spin (aerodynamics)|flat spin]] after he made a turn at low speed to fly in close formation with a [[Heinkel He 46|He 46]] reconnaissance aircraft. Some were convinced that the Germans had [[sabotage]]d his aircraft.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Stenge |first1=Csaba B. |title=Horthy István halála, 1942. augusztus 20. Hír TV Ősök Tere, 2012 |date=15 September 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfo_bDTr4AM |access-date=6 April 2023 |language=hu |last2=Olasz |first2=Lajos |last3=Maráczi |first3=Tamás}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Elfnet |title=MÁVAG Héjja – Elfnet.hu |url=http://www.elfnet.hu/haditechnika/repulok/mavaghejja.php |access-date=2018-08-01 |website=www.elfnet.hu}}</ref>

Nevertheless, the determined Hungarian pilots kept on flying combat missions with the Héja I and scoring a number of kills against [[List of military aircraft of the Soviet Union and the CIS|Soviet aircraft]]. When they managed to force their Soviet opponents into a [[dogfight]], thanks to the great maneuverability of the Héja, the Hungarian pilots were often successful.<ref name="Punka p. 7." />

The Hungarian Héja Is flew their last [[sortie]]s on the Soviet front on 14 and 15 January 1943, when they took off for uneventful patrols and [[reconnaissance mission]]s. Between 16 and 19 January, with the [[Red Army]] rapidly approaching [[Ilovskoye]] airfield, and with no time to heat the engines' frozen oil, [[Aircraft mechanic|mechanics]] were forced to blow up the last unserviceable Héja Is.<ref name="Punka p. 10.">Punka 2002, p. 10.</ref>
The surviving [[MÁVAG Héja|Héjas]] were kept in Hungary for home defense.<ref name="catt 9 10">Cattaneo 1967, pp. 9-10.</ref> Production of Héja IIs in Hungary continued until August 1944: 98 were completed in 1943 and 72 in 1944, although the aircraft was regarded as no longer suitable for combat against the latest Soviet fighters.<ref name="Neulen p. 130.">Neulen 2000, p. 130.</ref> Hungary requested that an additional 50–100 Re.2000 airframes be manufactured in Italy, as suitable engines and armament could be locally manufactured; additionally, other countries expressed interest, including Finland (100 examples), Portugal (50), Spain, Switzerland and Yugoslavia. However, no airframes were available by then.<ref name="Sgarlato p. 16.">Sgarlato 2006, p. 16.</ref>[[File:Repülőtér, 1944. április 13. Kass Ferenc őrmester légiharcban megsérült MÁVAG Héja II. vadászrepülőgépe. Fortepan 9233.jpg|thumb|238x238px|A Hungarian [[MÁVAG Héja|MÁVAG Héja II]] in Hungary, 13 April 1944]]By April 1944, the MKHL still deployed four Héja IIs in 1/1 Fighter squadron and four Héja IIs in 1/2, all of them based in [[Szolnok]] for home defense duties, along with about 40 [[Messerschmitt Bf 109|Bf 109s]] and [[Messerschmitt Me 210]]s.

On 2 April 1944, 180 bombers from the [[United States Army Air Forces|USAAF]] [[15th Expeditionary Mobility Task Force|15th Air Force]], escorted by 170 fighters, bombed the Danube Aircraft Works and other targets in [[Budapest]]. The Hungarian Fighter Control Center in the [[Gellért Hill|Gellért hill]], near Budapest, scrambled one wing of Héjas from 1/1 Fighter squadron, along with 12 [[Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants|Bf 109 G-4/G-6s]] and a couple of [[Messerschmitt Me 210#Variants|Messerschmitt Me 210 Ca-1s]] from the Experimental Air Force Institute (Repülő Kísérleti Intézet, RKI). The Hungarians reported 11 aerial victories, of which six were confirmed, while USAAF pilots claimed  27 MKHL aircraft shot down. However, later records showed only two Honvéd (MKHL) pilots were killed.<ref name="Neulen p. 136.">Neulen 2000, p. 136.</ref>

On 13 April 1944, Budapest was attacked by 15th Air Force bombers, accompanied by [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning|P-38s]] from the [[1st fighter group|1st Fighter Group]], led by Lieutenant Alford. Pilots of the P-38s reported the downing of two [[Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II|Re.2001s]] to the west of [[Lake Balaton]], which were actually MÁVAG Héja IIs. The Americans only damaged one of them.<ref name=":2">Punka 2001, p. 20.</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=MAVAG Heja II |url=http://all-aero.com/index.php/contactus/53-planes-l-m-n-o/15550-mavag-heja-ii |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=all-aero.com}}</ref>

As the situation for the [[Axis powers|Axis]] worsened, American and British [[Strategic bombing|bombing raids]] on Hungarian factories and infrastructure became common and many unfinished Héja IIs were destroyed, having never left the factory. Material shortages also hit Hungary hard, causing many complete Héja IIs to be grounded. A lack of spare parts also meant that many Héja IIs would just have to idly wait for these instead of being used in combat. During the last months of 1944, the 101/6 Training Squadron of the famous [[101st Home Air Defence Fighter Wing|101st Home Air Defence Fighter Wing "Pumas"]] had six flying Héja IIs. The last official report mentioning Héja IIs was dated 22 February 1945. It concerned a Héja II that crashed during a training flight.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" />

=== Sweden ===
The Swedish purchases of various types of Italian warplanes in 1939–41 were made as an emergency measure resulting from the outbreak of the war, as no other nations were willing to supply aircraft to this small neutral country whose domestic production did not become sufficient until 1943. The [[Swedish Air Force]] purchased 60 Re.2000 ''Serie'' Is, which received the Swedish designation '''J 20''' and were delivered during 1941–43.<ref name="avrosys.nu">Henriksson, Lars. [http://www.avrosys.nu/aircraft/Jakt/111J20.htm "J 20 - Reggiane Re 2000 Falco 1 (1941–1945)."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061224002034/http://www.avrosys.nu/aircraft/Jakt/111J20.htm |date=2006-12-24 }} ''Avrosys.nu''. Retrieved: 27 March 2010.</ref><ref name="catt 10" />[[File:Caproni Reggiane RE.2000 2.jpg|thumb|Re.2000 at Swedish Air Force Museum in Linköping]]All of the J 20s were stationed at the F10 wing, [[Malmö Bulltofta Airport|Bulltofta airbase]], [[Malmö]], in the southern tip of [[Sweden]] in 1941–45.<ref>{{cite web|title=A fighter paid with precious metals|url=http://www.ww2incolor.com/other/RE2000-J20-FORUMBILDER.html|work=www.ww2incolor.com|access-date=5 May 2013}}</ref> They were mainly used to intercept [[Axis forces|Axis]] and [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] bombers that violated Swedish airspace. One J 20 was lost in combat, shot down while intercepting a ''[[Luftwaffe]]'' [[Dornier Do 24]] near [[Sölvesborg]] on 3 April 1945.<ref name="avrosys.nu" /><ref name="catt 10">Cattaneo 1967, p. 10.</ref>

The pilots appreciated the type, which performed well under harsh conditions and was the fastest aircraft then in operation with the service. However, the Re.2000's mechanical reliability was unable to meet Swedish Air Force requirements; reportedly, the aircraft normally had to spend a great deal of time in maintenance.<ref name="catt 10" /> At the end of the conflict, the 37 J 20s that remained in service were so badly worn out that they were decommissioned during July 1945 and were subsequently scrapped, while only one of these was retained for display purposes.

==Variants==

===Italian variants===
;Re.2000
:Initial prototype, one built.
;Re.2000 Serie I
:Production model, 157 built. Serie I had modified windshield and slight equipment changes.
;Re.2000 Serie II
:Ship-borne version, 10 built. Serie II had a 1,025&nbsp;hp [[Piaggio P.XI]]bis engine and arrester gear.
;Re.2000 (GA) Serie III
:Long-range fighter, 12 built. Serie III had redesigned cockpit, increased fuel capacity and option of a 170 L auxiliary fuel tank or a dispenser of 22 2 kg bomblets.
;RE 2000 "Catapultabile": Re 2000 aircraft modified for catapult launch from [[Regia Marina]] ships. On the day of the armistice, 8 September 1943, 6 Re 2000 "Catapultabile " were in service, with two on the battleship [[Italian battleship Roma (1940)|''Roma'']] and one each on the [[Italian battleship Vittorio Veneto|''Vittorio Veneto'']] and [[Italian battleship Italia|''Italia'']] (formerly the ''Littorio'').

=== Hungarian variants ===

; [[MAVAG Heja I/II|MÁVAG Héja I]] ("''Hawk'' I")
: Hungarian modified version of the Re.2000. The MÁVAG Héja I had a Hungarian engine, a different propeller, armor for the pilot, an additional 100 L fuel tank (in the fuselage, [[Self-sealing fuel tank|self-sealing]]), a radio, a lengthened fuselage, and other changes differentiating it from the Re.2000.
; [[MAVAG Heja I/II|MÁVAG Héja II]] ("''Hawk'' II")
: Entirely Hungarian-produced fighter based on the Re.2000, but heavily modified. The Héja II kept some of the modifications from the Héja I, but also had two better Hungarian 12.7&nbsp;mm [[Gebauer 1940.M GKM]] machine guns with 300 rpg rather than two Italian [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun|12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns]]. These Hungarian machine guns had a much higher rate of fire of 1000 rpm and a bit better muzzle velocity at 800 m/s when compared to the Italian machine guns. On top of these changes, the Héja II also had a newer, more powerful (1085 hp) Hungarian engine – the WM K-14B, a redesigned [[cowling]], smaller fuel tanks in the wings (22 × 20-25 L ones), a larger Hungarian-made Weiss Manfréd propeller, and more changes. 204 Héja IIs were built.
; [[MÁVAG Héja#Variants|MÁVAG Héja II Zuhanóbombázó]] ("[[Dive bomber|Dive Bomber]]")
: MÁVAG Héja II modified with underwing [[dive brake]]s powered by Bosch [[electric motor]]s, a [[Bombsight|dive-bombing sight]], and a centerline [[bomb rack]] that could carry either a 250 or 500 kg [[Aerial bomb|bomb]]. 3 converted from Héja II fighters.<ref name=":02"/><ref name=":1" />

==Operators==
;{{flagcountry|Nazi Germany}}
*''[[Luftwaffe]]''
;{{flagcountry|Kingdom of Hungary (1920–46)}}
*[[Royal Hungarian Air Force]]
;{{flag|Kingdom of Italy}}
*''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''
;{{SWE}}
*[[Swedish Air Force]]

==Specifications (Re.2000 Series I)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''Re.2000...The 'State-of-the-Art' Reggiane,<ref name="State p65">Green and Swanborough 1990, p. 65.</ref> The Reggiane Re.2000 (Aircraft in Profile Number 123)''<ref name = "catt 12">Cattaneo 1967, p. 12.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length m=7.99
|length note=
|span m=11
|span note=
|height m=3.2
|height note=
|wing area sqm=20.4
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=N-38<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=2090
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=2839
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Piaggio P.XI R.C.40]]
|eng1 type=14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine
|eng1 note={{cvt|1000|CV|hp kW|0}} at {{cvt|4000|m}}

|prop blade number=3
|prop name=Piaggio-D'Ascanio
|prop dia m=3.1
|prop dia note= constant-speed propeller
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=530
|max speed note=at {{cvt|5300|m}}
|cruise speed kmh=440
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=545
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=11200
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude={{cvt|4000|m}} in 4 minutes
|wing loading kg/m2=137
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 2 × {{cvt|12.7|mm}} [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]]s in the upper cowling with 300 rounds per gun

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[MÁVAG Héja]] (Hungarian fighter based on the Re.2000)
* [[Reggiane Re.2001]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2002]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2003]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2004]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2005]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2006]]
* [[Reggiane Re.2007]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Bloch MB.152]]
* [[Curtiss P-36]]
* [[Curtiss-Wright CW-21]]
* [[IAR 80]]
* [[Macchi C.200]]
* [[Mitsubishi A6M]]
* [[Nakajima Ki-43]]
* [[Polikarpov I-180]]
* [[PZL.50]]
* [[Seversky P-35]]
* [[Weiss Manfréd WM-23 Ezüst Nyíl]]
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[Regia Aeronautica#Aircraft|List of aircraft of Italy in World War II]]
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
{{Commons category}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* Angelucci, Enzo and Paolo Matricardi. ''World Aircraft: World War II, Volume I'' (Sampson Low Guides). Maidenhead, UK: Sampson Low, 1978. {{ISBN|0-562-00096-8}}.
* Bergström, Christer., Andrey Dikov and Vlad Antipov. ''Black Cross Red Star: Air War over the Eastern Front, Volume 3: Everything for Stalingrad''. Hamilton, Massachusetts: Eagle Editions, 2006. {{ISBN|0-9761034-4-3}}.
* Cattaneo, Gianni. ''The Reggiane Re.2000 (Aircraft in Profile Number 123)''. Windsor, Berkshire, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1967. No ISBN.
*{{cite journal |last1=Domange|first1=Yves|title=Quand les démocraties occidentales achetaient des avions dans l'Italie fasciste... (2<sup>ème</sup> partie: la Belgique et l'Angleterre)|journal=Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire |date=March 1999 |issue=72 |pages=40–47 |trans-title=When Western Democracies Bought Their Aircraft from Fascist Italy... (Part 2: Belgium and England) |language=French |issn=1243-8650}}
* Duncan-Smith, Wilfred (Grp. Capt ret). ''Spitfire into Battle''. Feltham, Middlesex, UK: Hamlyn Paperbacks, 1981. {{ISBN|0-7195-3831-9}}.
* Ethell, Jeffrey L. ''Aircraft of World War II''. Glasgow: Collins and Jane's, 1995. {{ISBN|0-00-470849-0}}.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "RE 2000... The 'State-of-the-Art' Reggiane". ''[[Air Enthusiast]]'', Forty-one, Midsummer 1990, pp.&nbsp;54–69. Bromley, UK: Tri-Service Press. ISSN 0143-5450.
* Longhi, Roberto. "Reggiane and I... A Fighter Designer Recalls". ''Air Enthusiast'', No. 2, 1976, pp.&nbsp;214–224. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
* Mondey, David. ''The Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II''. New York: Bounty Books, 1996. {{ISBN|1-85152-966-7}}.
* Neulen, Hans Werner. ''In the skies of Europe: Air Forces Allied to the Luftwaffe 1939–1945''. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press, 2000. {{ISBN|1-86126-799-1}}
* Punka, George. ''Hungarian Aces of World War 2''. Osprey Publishing, Oxford, England, 2002. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-436-8}}.
* Punka, George. ''Reggiane Fighters in action''. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 2001. {{ISBN|0-89747-430-9}}.
* Sgarlato, Nico. ''Reggiane'' (in Italian). Parma, Italy: Westward editions, 2006.
* Snedden, Robert. ''World War II Combat Aircraft''. Bristol, UK: Parragon, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7525-1684-1}}.
* Shores, Christopher. ''Air Aces'', Greenwich, Connecticut: Bison Books, 1983. {{ISBN|0-86124-104-5}}.
* Taylor, John W. R. "Reggiane Re.2000 Falco I (Falcon)". ''Combat Aircraft of the World from 1909 to the Present''. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1969. {{ISBN|0-425-03633-2}}.

{{Reggiane aircraft}}{{Weapons of Hungary}}{{Swedish military aircraft designations}}
{{Portal bar|Italy|Aviation}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Reggiane aircraft]]
[[Category:1930s Italian fighter aircraft]]
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[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1939]]
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[[Category:Hungary–Italy relations]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]