In 1934, the Romano Company,
studies on own funds, a aircraft intended for the acrobatics: the
Romano R-80. Of traditional design, it is presented as a biplane
with fixed-landing gear, powered by a 7-cylinder Lorraine 7ME "Mizar"
240 hp air-cooled. Its structure is made of steel tubes welded and
covered, the front part of the fuselage being covered with Duralumin.
The wings are wooden and the fins are located on both planes.
The R-80 prototype No. 01
registered F-ANMP makes its first flight in early 1935 and is presented
in particular to the famous pilot Michel Detroyat. This one is immediately
conquered by the qualities of the machine, and when he becomes Inspector
of the flying materials of the SNCA (National Societies of aeronautical
construction) on March 1st, 1937, he recommends the Romano R-80
to the ministry of the Air to equip the Schools of the Air. This
prototype will then join the "Lemoigne" Company, a private
formation that presents aerobatics shows and will be used by Pierre
Lemoigne, former pilot of Aéropostale. A second prototype,
the Romano R-80 No02 registered F-AQJP, makes its first flight
in March 1936: this is the model that will be presented at the Salon
de l'Aéronautique of 1936. It differs from 01 by its engine
that becomes a Salmson 9Aba of 280 hp, and fins that are larger
surfaces, and present on the lower wing only.
Tests confirming the skills
of the aircraft for training and acrobatics, the Ministry of Air
retains its interest in the aircraft and an order for 177 aircraft
has passed: 30 for the Naval Air and 147 for the Air Force. Under
the designation Romano R-82 Et2, the entire order will be delivered
before the Armistice. The R-82 differs from the R-80 prototypes
by a wider hood. They will be used in the Pilot Schools until the
Armistice of June 1940, and will continue to serve under the colors
of Vichy until 1944. It seems that a aircraft was seized and used
by the F.A.F.L. Few copies will survive the conflict.
The manufacturer has tried
to export his aircraft, especially in the United States but unsuccessful.
Despite a tour across the Atlantic with participation in competitions
and demonstrations rather successful, it will not succeed in winning
against the already famous Tiger-Moth. However, 2 copies will be
delivered to the Republican Government and will serve in Spain during
the Civil War.
