aircraft/loadouts IMAM Ro.44 - Italian floatplane fighter

[Alphanoodle 526]

Today I'd like to suggest the IMAM Ro.44, an Italian floatplane fighter from 1936 that saw 35 models produced. Even though its performance is generally pretty bad, it would have a certain uniqueness factor since there aren't a whole load of floatplanes, let alone floatplane fighters in the game and Italy doesn't have a single floatplane as of now.

 

Images:

Spoiler

 

History:

Spoiler

In the 30s, most nations with major military airforces (except for maybe Japan, France and Italy) had already given up on the idea of floatplane fighters, as floats were too heavy and produced a lot of drag which isn't exactly ideal for a fighter. But still, the Italian Navy needed a fighter that could be launched via catapult from their battleships in order to counter the ever-growing thread of torpedo- and dive bombers. So IMAM came up with a relatively simple design, the just took their IMAM Ro.43 (a catapult-launched reconnaissance aircraft), removed the backseat and upgraded the armament a bit. That's how in October of 1936 the Ro.44 was born and despite the fact that FIAT came up with the ICR.42 (floatplane version of the CR.42) that was arguably a far better aircraft for the role as a fighter, the Italian Navy chose the Ro.44 because they could simply convert their existing Ro.43s into 44s. But due to the extremely poor performance of the Ro.44, only 35 of original 51 ordered machines were produced/converted. They were mainly used in the Aegean Sea but just shortly after the start of WW2 they were retired from the front line and sent to seaplane schools.

 

Specifications:

Armament:

2x fixed foward firing 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT HMGs in the nose

270 rounds per MG - 540 rounds total

No backgunner or payload options

 

Performance:

Top speed at SL: 330 km/h (205 mph)

Top speed at 2500m: 316 km/h (196 mph)

Empty weight: 1770 kg (3902 ibs)

Loaded weight: 2200 kg (4850 ibs)

Engine: PD Piaggio P.XR - 700 HP max at 1000m and below

Service ceiling: ~7000m

Range: 480km

Wing loading: 66,73 kg/m²

 

Crew: 

1x - pilot

 

Dimensions:

Wingspan: 11.570 m (37 ft 11.5 in)

Length: 9.710 m (31 ft 10.27 in)

Height: 3.550 m (11 ft 7.75 in)

Wing Area: 33.36 m (2359.08 ft²)

 

So what do you think about this floatplane? Is its performance too poor or is it just good enough to be somewhat competetive? Leave your thoughts down below and vote on the poll! Sorry for any minor grammar mistakes, my first language is german :3

 

Sources:

http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fww2/ro44.html

http://forum.valka.cz/topic/view/30062/IMAM-Ro-44

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMAM_Ro.44

http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/imam_ro,7.html

https://www.aviarmor.net/aww2/aircraft/italy/imam_ro44.htm

Edited March 17, 2018 by Alphanoodle

[SAUBER_KH7 3,326]

Open for Discussion.

[Admiral_Aruon 2,264]

a top speed of 330 kph isn't all that bad. slow yes but not nearly approaching po-2 levels. and having a pair of .50cal breda-safats is a pretty decent armament to make up for the slightly subpar speed. +1

[Milocat 4,854]

Would be pretty annoying to fly, but it would still be unique and fun.  +1. 

 

Due to its small production run and iffy performance it might work better as a premium so new players don't get ragey over it.

[AtomicPope 3,953]

More floatplanes are always nice. Performance wise it would be a good 1.0 to complement the reserves, +1 from me.

[Охраняет-Камни 6,650]

+

This aircraft must be in game 

[StillWaiting 9]

since the italian navy is getting closer, i'd love to have this plane in-game

 

[Solarmod 1,203]

An Italian float? YES!

[aizenns 3,591]

Yes, we need more seaplane fighters!!! +1

[Giobhas 1,095]

I hope to see this plane soon

[_Pixy 196]

+1 I'd like a floatplane please! 

[CokeSpray 7,274]

Suggestion passed to the developers for consideration.

[leroyonly 4,310]

As the Ro.44 has been implemented as per Update 2.25 Sky Guardians,

 

Moved to Implemented Suggestions.