The prototype Romano R-80.01 was a private venture design by Chantiers aéronavals Étienne Romano for a two-seat aerobatic biplane to use as a demonstrator.

Tested in 1935 with a 179 kW (240 hp) Lorraine 7Me radial engine, it was later fitted with a 209 kW (280 hp) Salmson 9Aba radial and re-designated as the R-80.2.

The R.80.2 was a biplane with a fixed tailwheel landing gear and with the change of scope to a tandem two-seat dual-control aerobatic trainer, it was re-designated the R.82.01.

Romano became part of the nationalised SNCASE in 1937 and the French Air Force ordered the R-82 into production, with 147 aircraft being delivered.

In 1938 two aircraft were ferried to Spain and used by the Spanish Republican government in the fight against the Nationalist faction.