Il Fiat CR42 Falco was a biplane fighter used by the Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War and the last biplane to be built in series. The main users of the aircraft - in addition to the Regia Aeronautica - were the Swedish Air Force, the Hungarian Air Force, the Belgian Air Force and the Spanish Air Force; the latter used the aircraft until 1948.
The first prototype took flight for the first time on 23 May 1938 and the aircraft entered service with the Air Force in 1939. The aircraft – built by Fiat Aviazione – was produced from 1939 to 1943/44 and, in total, more than 1800 units were built.
According to many analysts, the Fiat CR 42 Falco represented the top of a formula (that of the biplane) by now anachronistic. However, the aircraft was used on practically all fronts during the Second World War and did itself proud.
Il Falcon It was used as an interceptor fighter, escort fighter, light fighter-bomber and ground attack aircraft. In this regard, in East Africa and North Africa the aircraft – as attack aircraft – operated en masse and performed real wonders. In fact, in dive, with their bombs and two machine guns, they repeatedly created panic among the enemies.1
The aircraft also distinguished themselves at sea, diving among the high-altitude bombers and torpedo bombers.
After September 8, 1943, the aircraft was used by the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force, while some examples were seized by the Luftwaffe.
Il Fiat CR42 Falco It had an upper wingspan of 9,7 m, a lower wingspan of 6,5 m, height 3,585 m and length 8,25 m.
The empty weight was 1782 kg, while fully loaded 2295 kg. The maximum speed was 441 km/h at 6100 m, the cruising speed 399 km/h. The service ceiling was 10210 m.
Engine: 1 Fiat A.74 14 cylinders, power 841 HP.
The armament consisted of 7,7 mm and 12,7 mm Breda SAFAT machine guns. In addition, the aircraft was capable of carrying 200 kg of bombs.
1 See G. Bonacina, The falcon, in Illustrated History n°170, 1972, p.127
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