It was designed to replace the outdated IMAM Ro.37 used at the time.

Unlike the Re.2002, it had room for a second crewman who sat behind the pilot.

The Fiat A.74 RC.38 engine was intended to be used originally, but the Piaggio P. XI RC 40 bis was chosen instead.

The Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) made an order of 200, but cancelled the order as Allied bombing raids made the Air Force's focus switch to fighter aircraft.

Data from [citation needed]General characteristics Performance Armament