What are your thoughts? - Re.2001 serie 1

[tx141 815]

Hi All,

 

This week I thought I would review the Re.2001 serie 1 (Tier II; Battle Rating 2.3 Italian Fighter). Below you will find both my video review (including the history behind the Reggiane Re.2001 Falco II from its inception through to the initial Re.2001 serie 1 production variant) and a summary of my review in bullet-point form:

 

Re.2001 serie 1 - Cannot Help But Smile

Summary:

 

• All-round performance – With its good turn circle; above average control surfaces; strong climb-rate; and great energy retention in both the vertical and horizontal, the Re.2001 serie 1 is not restrictive in the types of tactics (i.e. Boom and Zoom; stall-fighting; turn-fighting etc.) its pilot can deploy to deal with a given threat.
• Wide ideal speed range – Situated between 275-475km/h, the width of this range means it will be difficult for the plane to enter an engagement where it is outside of this range unless in exceptional circumstances (e.g. an extreme dive; coming out of stall etc.); guaranteeing this plane will enter the engagement with maximum performance available.
• Comfortable stall – Stalling this plane is not an issue thanks to its strong stall recovery. Upon stalling at 120km/h, the plane’s nose will gradually drop and its speed will only need to be raised to 195km/h before its control surfaces are regained. As a result, this makes the Re.2001 serie 1 a difficult plane to successfully stall out for a clean strike.
• Average straight-line energy retention – When coming out of a dive, the Re.2001 serie 1 will only start to hold onto its speed in level flight at 495km/h. Whilst this is superior to lower Battle Rating opposition, this can be matched if not surpassed by a large portion of equal and higher Battle Rating opposition; forcing you to engage those right on your six.
• Armament found wanting – The Breda-SAFAT machine guns of this plane demand extended time on target and accuracy in order to deal major damage. This can be frustrating, especially when using Boom and Zoom tactics with this plane, as setting up the perfect shot on target may merely lead to hits rather than critical damage or a clean kill.

 

Final Thought:

 

The Re.2001 serie 1 is a highly enjoyable fighter which is a considerable step up from its predecessor. Whereas the Re.2000 serie 1 was an easy-going turn-fighter, its successor proceeds to retain this strength and then add to it thanks to the addition of the Alfa Romeo RA.1000 engine; giving the plane a much greater sense of speed and climb-rate. The only downside of this approach is that the plane’s armament will feel weak compared to its competitors, demanding perseverance to get the most out of it. Yet, upon looking past this issue, one cannot help but smile at the fun that can be had in flying the Falco II.

 

And now over to you: what are your thoughts on this Fighter?

 

Next time:

 

SM.91 or F2A-1 Buffalo?

 

Be sure to let me know which one you want me to review using the above poll. Poll closes 1200 GMT 03/03/2019.

 

As always, take care and good luck in the skies.

 

Paul "tx141" Walsh 

[clar1ty 77]

To be honest, for me, it was only a stepping stone toward the CN.  It gave me confidence enough in the flight model of the 2001s that strapping a pair of MG151s to it was going to make a hell of a plane.  I mostly find the italian MGs to be a frustrating enough to not give me a massive incentive to play it.  So fair play to you.