Fiat CR.42

Fiat CR.42 Falco

Development History

Origins

Evolved from the Fiat CR.32, the CR.42 was designed in the late 1930s as a transitional fighter during the shift from biplanes to monoplanes.

First Flight

23 May 1938.

Engine

Powered by the supercharged Fiat A.74 R1C.38 radial engine.

Design Features

Sesquiplane configuration (smaller lower wing).

Exceptional manoeuvrability due to low wing loading.

The strong airframe was praised by RAF Intelligence.

Operational History

Regia Aeronautica (Italy)

Entered Service

May 1939.

WWII Deployment

Battle of France, Battle of Britain, Malta, North Africa, Greece.

Later used in Iraq, the Eastern Front, and mainland Italy.

Roles

Fighter (standard CR.42).

Night Fighter (CR.42CN).

Ground Attack (CR.42AS).

Trainer (CR.42B Biposto).

Post-Armistice

Used by the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force as a trainer;

Some were captured by Germany and used by the Luftwaffe for ground attack.

Belgium

Received CR.42s before WWII; used briefly before the German invasion.

Sweden

Operated CR.42s in a neutral role; used for air defence and training.

Hungary

Most successful foreign operator.

Deployed on the Eastern Front against Soviet forces.

Claimed kill-to-loss ratio of 12:1.

Production and Legacy

Total Built

Over 1,800 units.

Retired

1948

(The Spanish Air Force was among the last users).

Legacy

Last biplane fighter in frontline service during WWII.

Symbol of Italy’s transitional air doctrine.

Despite being outclassed by monoplanes, it remained effective in specific roles due to agility and robustness.