The B.R was a development of theSIA 9reconnaissance aircraft, incorporating major strengthening of that design. Its general layout was identical to its predecessor: a two-baybiplane with tandem, opencockpits for pilot and observer, andtailskid undercarriage. Shortly after entering service with theRegia Aeronautica, however, Rosatelli developed an improved version using theWarren truss-style bracing that would become a hallmark of his designs over the next decade.
The B.R. was evolved into a number of increasingly capable variants; however, by the time the later members of the family were produced, 15 years had passed since the initial design, and the type was already obsolete. At its peak, the BR equipped 15 light bomber squadrons of theRegia Aeronautica. Two examples were also exported to Sweden, and one to Hungary.
In 1922, a specially modified BR designated theR.700 was used to set the absolute world airspeed record at 336 km/h (210 mph). The same aircraft was used to contest theCoupe Deutsch de la Meurthe in September that year.
B.R. - initial production version withFiat A.14 engine and conventional struts
B.R.1 - improved version with new radiator and landing gear, and Warren truss struts (150 built)
B.R.2 - strengthened structure, new landing gear, andFiat A.25 engine
R.22 - reconnaissance aircraft of which two prototypes and 23 production versions were built. Although resembling the BR.2 it was of smaller dimensions and the wing and fuselage structures were all-metal. All examples flown by Regia Aeronautica withFiat A.22 engine
B.R.3 - new landing gear, fitted with radio and panoramic camera and (in later versions) Handley Page-typeslats (100 built)
B.R.4 - substantial redesign with revised aerodynamics, new landing gear, and new radiator arrangement (one built)
