The MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force) in Vigna di Valle has a new aircraft on display. It is the IMAM Ro.41 biplane trainer, which in the 40s trained generations of pilots of the Regia Aeronautica, made famous by the film “The Three Eaglets” with Alberto Sordi. At the end of a complex thirty-year restoration carried out by the technicians of the Maintenance and Restoration Section of the MUSAM and the volunteers of the GAVS (Group of Friends of Historic Aircraft), this unique piece becomes definitively part of the museum collection.
On April 16th, in the prestigious setting of the Badoni Hangar, an official ceremony was held presided over by the Chief of Staff of the A.M., Gen. S.A. Antonio Conserva, in the presence of numerous military, civil and industrial authorities, as well as those who over the last thirty years have been involved, directly or indirectly, in this restoration, such as the former Chiefs of Staff of the Italian Armed Forces, the now retired personnel and the volunteers of the GAVS.
The event, which opened with a greeting address by the Commander of the Rome Air Force Command, Gen. S.A. Alberto Biavati, developed in several moments of in-depth study and debate and was characterized by historical re-enactments, presentations and “emotional” videos prepared by the staff of the CSSAM (Historiographic and Sports Center) of Vigna di Valle, with the collaboration of GAVS volunteers.
For the occasion, a historical-scientific forum was also held, moderated by journalist Vincenzo Grienti, focused on training yesterday, today and tomorrow, where among the speakers were the Director of MUSAM, T.Col. Paolo De Vita, Prof. Gregory Alegi, a well-known aeronautical historian, Colonel Pilot Vito Conserva, and other figures from the world of industry. To complete the speeches, a report on the restoration by those who, physically, got their hands on the plane: the technicians of the Maintenance and Restoration Section of MUSAM and the volunteers of the GAVS.
The IMAM Ro.41 biplane
Designed by engineer Giuseppe Galasso on behalf of the Industrie Aeronautiche Romeo (IAR), since 1936 Industrie Meccaniche Aeronautiche Meridionali (IMAM), this single-engine biplane was conceived as a light interceptor fighter. The prototype flew as such on 16 June 1934 at Naples Capodichino. Already during the subsequent development phase, despite its handling and good climbing qualities, however, the FIAT CR.32 was preferred to it, considered superior in every respect.
The Ro.41 was thus intended for training and in function of this role, which it performed very well, in 1937 a two-seater version was introduced into service. Between 1935 and 1949 743 examples were built, the last of which were decommissioned in 1952, produced not only by IAR/IMAM but also by AVIS and Agusta, which in the first post-war period built 75 examples using parts stored in previous years. No part has come down complete to the present day.
The IMAM Ro.41 biplane exhibited at MUSAM is the result of a long and complex restoration work carried out by the specialists of the Maintenance and Restoration Section of MUSAM and by the volunteers of the GAVS (Group of Friends of Historic Aircraft) using parts in the possession of the Museum, or from the Polytechnic of Naples and private collections, or built from scratch, overcoming the difficulties deriving from the unavailability of the original drawings.
The Historical Museum of the Air Force in Vigna di Valle
The MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force), has the task of disseminating the aeronautical culture, history and traditions of the Italian Armed Force. It stands on the shores of Lake Bracciano where at the beginning of the last century the first experimental aeronautical shipyard for the testing of airships was established. Later Vigna di Valle also became the headquarters of the first experimental department for seaplanes. In the post-war period it housed the first air-rescue department, carried out with seaplanes. In the 60s and 70s it became the seat of the Sports Center, the A.M. Personnel Selection Center and the Historical Museum of the Italian Armed Forces. The MUSAM It is spread over an area of over 16,000 square meters indoors, plus large outdoor areas. It houses and exhibits, in chronological order, over 80 original aircraft, and then engines, uniforms and aeronautical memorabilia. As part of the celebrations for the centenary of the establishment of the Italian Air Force, it has been expanded and completely renovated.
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