IMAM (ROMEO) RO.43

The IMAM Ro.43 was an Italian reconnaissance seaplane in a mixed biplane configuration. The drive was provided by a single engine Piaggio PX R 700 hp. The prototype flight took place in 1934. Serial production started in 1935 and lasted until 1941, ending with the production of about 190 machines of this type. The aircraft was armed with two 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns. IMAM Ro.43 was created in response to the demand for a new seaplane that could take off from a ship catapult reported by the Italian Navy (owned by Regia Marina). When designing the Ro.43, the experience and many elements of the Ro.37 aircraft were used. After a short period of trials and tests, the Ro.43 seaplanes entered series production and were quickly fitted into the large Regia Marina ships. Unfortunately, it turned out that this machine is an underdeveloped design, with poor performance and average sea performance (huge problems with taking off and landing in rough seas). By 1941, the production of the Ro.43 was discontinued and they began to be replaced by Reggiane Re.2000 fighters specially adapted for operation with ships. IMAM Ro.43 machines were used in the course of operations in the Mediterranean in 1940-1943, incl. in the initial phase of the Battle of Cape Matapan in March 1941.