11/15/2022. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Robert Tesori of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, designed and built a ¾-scale representation of the Italian Reggiane Re 2000 Falco I single-seat fighter of 1938. Design began in 1978, using information gleaned from a small plastic model construction kit, and construction of the aircraft started in 1980. Registered C-GVTO, the first flight was achieved from Edmonton International Airport on June 1, 1981.

As originally flown, the Reggiane 2000 representation used modified plywood covered wooden wings from Tesori's Piel Emeraude monoplane. Powerplant was a 200 hp Avco Lycoming IO-360-A1B6 flat-four engine, driving a Hartzell three-blade constant-speed propeller. The aircraft was fitted with electrically-actuated rudder and elevator trim tabs, and a hydraulically actuated retractable landing gear.

However, Tesori retrofitted specially prepared aluminum alloy wings and a new hydraulically actuated retractable landing gear, modified from that of a Temco Swift. This work was carried out during the winter of 1981-1982 and the first flight in revised configuration was achieved on September 12, 1982.

The one-of-a-kind aircraft was deregistered on August 5, 1987."

(David Osborne Collection)