Often regarded as one of the most aesthetic aeroplanes ever produced by Italy, the Reggiane Re.2005 Sagittario (Archer) went into service with the Regia Aeronautica as a fighter and fighter-bomber during the later years of WWII. Only 48 examples had been delivered before the Armistice (the museum quotes 32 as of 1943), and these fighters took part in the defence of Naples, Rome and Sicily, with the survivors finally perishing in the Battle of Berlin in German insignia. This fuselage section is the only original survivor of this type.

Of the Re-2005 just 32 pieces were constructed when production was halted in 1943. This rear fuselage is the sole surviving part of these aircraft.

The Spanish version of the F-5, the SF-5, had the official local designation A.9 for an attack aircraft, with the photo reconnaissance SRF-5A becoming the AR.9.