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Hello everyone, and welcome to this new suggestion.
Today, I am presenting a new French aircraft prototype: the Romano R-110.
In the early 1930s, the French Air Force issued an unusual requirement for a new type of aircraft intended to serve as an airborne command post for fighter formations. Rather than engaging directly in combat, this aircraft was envisioned as a flying headquarters that would accompany groups of fighters, coordinate their movements, and relay tactical orders by radio during aerial engagements. To fulfill this role, the aircraft was designed with an unconventional three-man crew consisting of a pilot, a rear gunner, and a liaison officer seated in a raised position within the fuselage. From this elevated station, the officer would have a wide field of view, allowing him to observe the battle and direct friendly fighters in real time.
While innovative on paper, the concept suffered from several fundamental flaws. The aircraft was expected to remain close enough to the action for the liaison officer to monitor the battle while simultaneously avoiding direct combat. In reality, any attack by enemy fighters would force the pilot to maneuver aggressively, making effective observation and communication nearly impossible. Furthermore, the aircraft needed to match the speed and climb performance of contemporary fighter aircraft, a difficult requirement for a relatively large twin-engine design. As a result, the Romano R-110 struggled to satisfy the demanding operational expectations set by the Air Force.
Development of the aircraft began in 1934, and after several years of design and construction, the first and only prototype was completed. It was publicly presented at Istres in 1938 before beginning its flight-test program in southern France. Although the aircraft demonstrated that the concept was technically feasible, its overall performance fell short of expectations. Its engines did not provide sufficient power for the demanding escort role envisioned, and the aircraft proved unable to effectively accompany modern fighter formations under operational conditions.
Ultimately, the French Air Force abandoned the airborne fighter command concept altogether. Of the various aircraft proposed for the competition, only the Potez design was selected, and even then it was adopted for a different operational role rather than the one originally envisioned. The Romano R-110 therefore remained a one-off prototype, and no further development was undertaken following the conclusion of its evaluation program.
Characteristics
Length : 9.66 m
Width : 12.80 m
Height : 3.37 m
Mass :
- Empty : 2 165 kg
- Max : 3 300 kg
The aircraft is powered by two Renault 12R-02 engines, enabling it to reach a top speed of 470 km/h and a service ceiling of 10,500 m. It has a range of 1,280 km.
As previously mentioned, the crew consists of three people: a pilot at the front, a gunner at the rear, and a liaison officer in the middle.
Weapons
In terms of armament, the aircraft is quite interesting; it is equipped with two forward-firing 20mm cannons for engaging enemy aircraft or ground targets, and also features a rear-mounted 7.5mm machine gun for defense.
In-game, this aircraft would be a compelling addition, introducing a heavy fighter to the French tree that offers decent, though far from excellent, flight characteristics, combined with an armament that is particularly effective against both fighters and bombers.
Pictures
