Toward the end of the 30’s, the need to modernize the Regia Aeronautica’s CR.32 was quite evident, and also recognized. Although the new monoplanes FIAT G.50 and Macchi C200 were already in advanced stages of testing, it was decided to give room to a new version of an improved biplane, the CR.42. This project gave birth to a new biplane with non-retractable landing gear and full metallic frame, propelled by an 840 HP FIAT A.74 engine. The Regia Aeronautica immediately ordered 200 new planes, and in May 1939 the first 39 aircraft reached their squadrons.
Meantime, the CR.42 obtained some popularity overseas, and FIAT received orders from Belgium, Hungary and Sweden. At the outbreak of the hostilities, the CR.42 participated in missions in southern France obtaining good results in encounters with French fighters. Later, the CR.42 participated in the Battle of England taking off from Belgian airports in escort missions over the English Channel where it encountered Hurricanes and Spitfires.
The largest deployment took place in North Africa where the CR.42, arriving disassembled aboard tri-motors SM-82, were used in strafing missions. Later on, the number of airplanes reached over 100. In September, with the Italian advance in North Africa, the CR.42 were widely used against enemy vehicles and armored vehicles, and also in escort missions in support of SM.79 bombers. The CR.42 were also used in promising night actions utilizing supplemental fuel tanks. Other war theaters and events saw the CR.42 always present despite increasing losses, accidents, and shortage of fuel and spare parts.
In October 1942, the CR.42 were involved in violent fighting during the Battle of El Alamein in support of Rommel’s attempt to arrive at the Nile’s delta. The following year, following the Axis’ retreat, the remaining 82 CR.42 were deployed in Tunisia from which they were later sent back to Italy. Another front, which saw the CR.42 in action in the Mediterranean, was the offensive against Malta. Here, with the planes taking off from Sicily, the CR.42 conducted ground attack missions as well as escort ones. Eventually, activity petered off with the arrival of the new and modern MC.202 and RE.2001.
Another activity in which the CR.42 saw intense use was the escort of Italian convoys to Libya, taking off from airports on the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa. The CR.42 was also used for dive-bombing attacks on naval targets with good results during Operation Harpoon, and even better ones during Operation Pedestal.
The evolution of the conflict saw the CR.42 operate from Sicilian airfields as a night fighter. The armistice of September 8th left few planes in the south (under Allied control), while the larger number, mostly aircraft fresh from the factory, fell into German hands. Part of these planes was sent to Germany, while the remaining served in the “Repubblica Sociale” (Mussolini’s) Air Force. After the war, very few aircraft were left and they served in training schools.
It was the end of the glorious life of the last Italian biplane, which, even if lacking speed, was able to gallantly fight on all fronts and in multiple roles.
Technical Data
Type
Fiat CR.32
Fiat CR.42 “Falco”
Engine
Fiat A.30
Fiat A.74 RC.38
Total HP
hp 600
hp 840
Wing span
9,50 m
9,70
Length
7,45 m
8,26
Height
2,71
m 3,30
Wing area
22,10 m2.
22,40 m2.
Weight
1,325 kg
kg 1,720 kg
Max weight
1,865 kg
kg 2,295 kg
Max speed
km/h 375 @ 3,000 m
km/h 440 @ 6,000 m
Range
km 780
km 785
Armament
2 x 12,7mm SAFAT
2 x 12,7mm SAFAT
Crew
1
1
Total built
1,200
(from MM.2589 to MM.4667)
1,560
(from MM.4265 to MM.9917)
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