IMAM Ro.1

The IMAM Ro.1 was an Italian reconnaissance‑bomber developed in the early 1930s by the Meridionali factory, later known as IMAM (Industrie Meccaniche e Aeronautiche Meridionali). Derived from the British de Havilland DH.60 Moth, the Ro.1 adopted a simple high‑wing monoplane layout with a wooden fuselage and fabric‑covered wings. Powered by a 120‑hp de Havilland Gipsy I inline engine, it could reach 210 km/h and carry a modest payload of up to 250 kg of bombs or a camera for aerial photography. Its robust construction, easy maintenance, and low operating cost made it attractive for the Regia Aeronautica’s auxiliary squadrons and for export to nations such as Argentina and Spain. The aircraft saw limited action during the Spanish Civil War, where its modest speed and range were compensated by its reliability in the low‑level spotting and light‑bombing roles. Although quickly superseded by more powerful monoplanes, the Ro.1 demonstrated the viability of adapting civilian sport aircraft for military purposes, influencing later Italian designs such as the IMAM Ro.37. Its legacy lies in bridging the gap between modest interwar trainers and the more capable combat aircraft that followed.

Meridionali

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Design & Classification