1/48 Romeo Ro 43 ‘Spanish Service’

The IMAM (Romeo) Ro.43 was an Italian two-seat reconnaissance seaplane that served in the Navy between 1935 and 1943. The aircraft was designed as a biplane with folding wings and was powered by a 700 hp Piaggio P.XR radial engine. In September 1943, when it was clear that Italy was defeated, a group of Italian naval aviators decided to fly eight Ro.43s from La Spezia to La Maddalena. During the German occupation of the local arsenal, two of the machines were shot down, but the remaining six managed to reach theBalearic Islands, where they were interned and later assigned to the Spanish Naval Air Force under the designation HR.7.

This 1/48 scale kit contains detailed resin and etched parts that allow modelers to create an accurate model of this historic aircraft. Included are decals for two versions of the camouflage: one in the original Italian colors and the other in the Spanish colors after being assigned to the Spanish Naval Air Force. Modelers will appreciate not only the historical significance of this aircraft, but also the ability to choose between two attractive camouflages that reflect its service in two different navies.