1172

a _____,.,um er 172
dronls.ignal Hlications
FIAT R42
in action
By George Punka
Color by Don Greer and Richard Hudson
Illustrated by Richard Hudson and Lori Basham

~~--® Aircraft Number 172

squadron/signal publications
1
 COPYRIGHT 2000 SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC.
1115 CROWLEY DRIVE CARROLLTON, TEXAS 75011-S0IO
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or trans-
mitted in any form by means electrical, mechanical or otherwise, without written permission of the pub-
lisher.

ISBN 0-89747-411-2

If you have any photographs of aircraft, armor, soldiers or ships of any nation, particularly wartime
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Ecm1 y Bae ecTb cpoTorpacpHH caMoneToB, Boopy)KeHHsi:, connaT HnH

KOpa6neR mo6oR CT paHbl, oco6eHH0, CHHMKH BpeM e H BORHbl,
nonenHTeCb C HaMH H IlOMOfHTe cnenaTb HOBble KHHrH H3}:laTeJibCTBa
Capitano (Captain) Guido Sobba of the 74' Squadrlg/la (Squadron), 23• Gruppo (Group)
shot down a Hawker Hurricane flown by Pit Off Dick Sudgen over Malta on 13 July 1940.
~cKanpou/C1-1rHan eme HHTepecHee. Mhl nepecHHMeM Banrn
Sobba downed three more Hurricanes between 13 July and 28 November 1940 while fly• cpOTOr pacpHH H BepHeM opHrHHa Jibl. HMeHa npHCJi aBllIH X CHHMKH
ing this FIAT CR 42 Falco. 6yJ(yT conp0BQ)K}:laTb Bee ony6JIHK0BaHHble cp0T0r pacpHH .
ITo:>1<anyRcTa, npHCbIJia'A:Te <t>oTorpacpHH n o a}(pecy:
Acknowledgements
Squadron/Signal Publications, lnc.
Gabriele Abrotini Gyorgy Marton Brussels Air Museum 1115 Crowley Drive
Ricardo Garcia de Celis Borrell Luig i Monti Buodesarchi v Carrollton, TX 75011-5010
Juan Arreez Cerda Peter Mujzer !HCA Ejercito del Aire
Roberto Fossi Heinz Nowarra LUCE iflffllll , ~lfllli'jli, ~±. illli:tct'(7)~JH• i'Jrt-ll,., ·U;;tc.ttQ1i(i ~,tc. -:> L,~ 1,;t-tt,.<.,;1J•? c(7)!11Q)
Roberto Genti Iii Peter Petrick Stato Maggiore Aeronautica t, (7)"(' t, ,am-r·-t. iUi tj, 1:11~ ~ttt:: t, Q)/;{t.'H:~ 1)Q)°t'T. Squadron/Signal:tf:Q)lli.l&T Qfl]fi!IJ;i
Andor Gibas Gytirgy Punka 1:t:;1,-r. ,::Q)J:-3:ti: ~~!iP'!?i¥!- - Jll1c~ L,, ~~~<-t-l>.::1: ;IJ•-r-~ :t.T. ~1il:t:J~l')1Jll,t::
Luigi Gorrfni Rupert Re isinger '!;'.]Ui. ~'!j'.Q)~i;il! 1,.,~,t:: I,., ;t. ·9. tit~~ tj,1:1,'.lH~ffl l,.,t::;tfi %li • .0i'fMIJ!i*Q)t:J ~ jjiJa-BJI~
Rudo lf Hornng Hans-Heiri Stapfer ~-tt"t'JJI~ i. T . t:;'!j'.;i,ili"f~l:.:'m1'1'< t.:~ ~,.
Ferenc Kovacs Vaclav Simecek
Lennert Schmidt Giorgio Tanzi
Squadron/Signal Publications, lnc.
1115 Crowley Drive
Carrollton, TX 75011-5010
Dedication:
Comrades! If you are sitting together at the long table Two FIAT CR 42 Falcos (Falcons) of 162' Squadrigl/a (Squadron), 161 ° Gruppo (Group) fly
along the coast of Turkey in 1940. This Regia Aeronautics (Italian Air Force) unit operat-
And I am not with you any more ... ed from Rhodes in the Dodecanese Islands. The CR 42s are camouflaged in a dark green
mottle over a light green base, with light gray undersurfaces. The engine cowling is paint•
If the commander calls me by name ed yellow, while the aft fuselage band and rudder cross are white. The yellow triangle on
the fuselage side is the emblem of 162' Squadriglia. A black and white cat are on the tri•
Shout loudly: "Presente!'' angle, along with the phrase VARDA CHE TE SBREGOI (BEWARE, I WILL SCRATCH
YOU!) in red. (SMA)

2
 Introduction CR 30 production began in 1933, including a single example prepared for demonstration to
a Chinese delegation. This aircraft was subjected to a series of tests in which it had the oppor-
tunity to demonstrate its capabilities. These tests came to naught - the Chinese military staffs
Italian Engineer Celeslino Rosatelli 's first fighter prototype, designated CR, was designed were prejudiced against in-line engine fighters due to their perceived vulnerability to damage
during the early 1920s. The CR was ordered into production in 1924 under the new designa- in their cooling systems. The Chinese preferred air-cooled radial engines. Efforts to selJ the CR
tion CR 1 (Caccia Rosatelli - Fighter/Hunter Rosatelli). This single des.ign began an unbro- 30 to the Chinese were abandoned.
ken string of Italian FlAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) biplane fighters that lasted to The Regia Aeronautica began to take delivery of the first CR 30s in the spring of 1934, J "
the end of World War II in 1945. Three diffe[ent firms produced almost 250 CR I fighters St0rmo (Wing) and 2 · Stormo being the first fighter units to receive the aircraft. The new fight-
between 1924 and 1926. ers quickly found their way to the African colonies with 8" Gruppo (Group), taking part of 2°
The CR S, a further development of the CR I, was developed in 1925. Two prototypes, one Stormo transferring to Benghazi, Libya in 1935. In 1936, these two units were followed by 13"
powered by a British-designed nine cylinder Jupiter radial engine, and the other employing a Gruppo and the Commando di Stormo (the unit's HQ element).
12 cylinder FIAT A.20 inline engine were completed, but by then, the level of aircraft and Structurally, the FIAT CR 30 was all metal, but in keeping with the design practices of the
engine development had outpaced the original CR I design. Both the CR I and CR 5 fighters era, featured fabric skinning over the wings and tail surfaces. Steel reinforced duralumin (an
were unusual in employing a reverse sesquiplane wing design - the lower wing having a aluminum, copper, magnesium, and manganese alloy) was used for the fuselage, wings, and
greater area than the upper wing. Development of the CR 5 was halted in Favor of a more tail. The entire nose section was skinned in dural. In keeping with Rosatelli's previous fighter
promising design - the FIAT CR 20. designs, the CR 30 used a sesquiplane wing layout (one wing being less than half the area of
The CR 20 employed an all-metal structure (the first Rosatelli design to do so) and a com- the other wing) braced by Warren Truss struts versus the traditional N-struts used on many
bi nation of metal and fabric skinning. This aircraft also had a more conventional wing design other fighters of the 1920s and early 1930s. The Warren Truss design gave the struts a distinct
in that the upper wing had a greater span than the lower wiog. The first prototypes, powered V-shape when viewed from the front or rear.
by the 420 hp FIAT A.20 inline engine, began flight trials in 1926. The CR 20 began produc- The CR 30 was 25 feet. 10.25 inches (7.9 M) long, had a wingspan of 34 feet 5.33 inches
tion in J 927 and the first examples began to be deli vered to fighter units of the Reg ia ( 10.5 M), and weighed 2965 lbs (1344.9 KG) empty. The FIAT A.30 RA engine turned a two-
Aero11a111ica (RA). An additional 15 CR 20s were exported to the Baltic nation of Lithuania. bladed metal propeller and was cooled by chin mounted oil and coolant radiators. The fight-
A float fighter development, designated CR 20 ldro (Sea) and equipped with twin metal er's armament consisted of a pair of nose mounted Breda-SAFAT I2.7MM machine guns fir-
floats, did not get beyond the prototype stage. The CR 20 was quickly followed by a tandem ing through the propeller disk. Each weapon was supplied by an ammunition box mounted in
two-seat training variant designated CR 20B. Further airframe development resulted in the CR the fuselage in front of the pilot. A provision was made to mount two SAFAT 7.7MM machine
20bis along with a parallel development of the CR20bis powered by an uprated 425 hp FIAT guns in the nose in lieu of the I 2.7MM weapons. however the I 2.7MM machine guns were pre-
A20AQ inline engine. CR20s with this engine were known as CR 20AQ. The last variant, a ferred due to their longer range and greater impact. A single Type RA 80-1 radio was also pro-
CR20bis equipped with a 450 hp lssota-Fraschini 420 engine. appeared in 1932. This fighter vided.
was designated the CR Asso. Almost 550 CR 20s, in all variants. were built before production Italy produced 124 CR 30s of various models, including a small number of two-seat train-
halted in 1933. Most of these fighters went to the RA, however over 50 aircraft were export- ers. Three single seaters and two trainers were delivered to Austria. Twelve CR 30s were
ed to Austria, Hungary, and Paraguay. exported to Hungary where they served in fighter training units until 1943. A pair of CR 30
By 1932, FIAT Chief Engineer Celestino Rosatelli had almost a decade of experience in sin- floatplanes did not get beyond the developmental stage. CR 30 production ceased in 1935 due
gle engine fighter design. His next project, the FIAT CR 30, was designed around the new to the development of a new fighter - the FIAT CR 32.
FIAT A.30 RA liquid-cooled V-12 engine. The A.30, designed by lngegnere (Engineer)
Zerbi, had a rated output of 542 Lo 590 hp, which rose to approximately 690 hp for takeoff.
The A.30 was an ideal aircraft engine offering a good power to weight ratio, low fuel con-
FIAT CR 1
sumption, and reliable operation.
Developmental work on the CR 30 was greatly speeded up in early 1932. Both Italy and
FIAT were eager to enter the new fighter design into competition at the International
Aeronautical Meet at Zurich, Switzerland. The prototype, M.M. (Matricula Milizare; serial
number) 164 was ready on 5 March 1932. Two months later the second and third prototypes
- M.M. 165 and M.M. 166 - were also ready for testing and demonstration. The first and
third prototypes were chosen for tbe meet in Zurich. At the time, FIAT believed the CR 30 to
be the fastest and most maneuverable fighter of the time. The Zurich meet in July of 1932
proved them right. The two prototypes won the prestigious Dai Molin Cup, leading their class-
es throughout the meet and maintaining their lead in the final series of demonstrations.

4
The prototype FIAT CR 30 (M.M. 165) made its first flight on 5 March 1932. The aircraft is Two CR 30 ldro floatplane derivatives of the CR 30 were transported to Marina di Pisa in
finished in silver dope and natural metal with green (forward), white, and red tail stripes. 1934. The silver fuselage of this aircraft is trimmed in red. The designation FIAT CR 30
Compared to the later CR 32, the CR 30 was 1.4 ft (0.4 M) longer with a 3.3 ft (1 M) greater IDRO under the horizontal stabilizer is white with black trim. The CR 30 ldro was not
wingspan. (Hofling) placed into production. (Hofling)

CR 32 Prototype 6.6 Gallon (25 L)

Bench-T ype
Boost Ailerons
Supplement I Fuel Tank

Smaller Headrest

No Oil Cooling Fin

0
0

Oil Cooler
90 Gallon (340.7 L) Short Tailwheel Strut
Main Fuel Tank
Radiator

5
Deve lopm ent CR42

- - ~- CR 32 Prototype _ 0 -

CR 42AS

CR 42CN
/

- ---~- CR 32quater CR428

6
 FIAT CR 32
Shortly after the design of the FIAT CR 30 had been finalized, Rosatelli began design work
on the CR 32. The C R 32 was, for the most part, a smaller version of the earlier CR 30. which
took advantage of additional wind tunnel testing to further refine the earlier design. The
Minisrero dell' Aero11au1ica (Italian Air Ministry) ordered the construction of an experimental
prototype which was to be completed in the spring of 1933. Rosatelli 's new fighter fully met
its expectations and demonstrated exceptional stability. After successfully completing its first
test tlights, the CR 32 NC I (MM. 201) was transferred to the Experimental Unit for further
evaluation. The Ministero ordered the type into mass production in 1934.
The CR 32 reta ined the liquid-cooled, 12-cyl inder FIAT A30 RA engine used in its prede-
cessor. Although the engine was slightly improved, it still developed its original 592 HP at 8530
feet (2600 M) at 2750 rpm. The engine turned a two-bladed, dual pitch (ground adjustable)
FIAT metal propeller.
The new C R 32 a lso retai.ned most, if not all, of the aerodynamic and structural features of
the earlier CR30 with the exception of size. The length was reduced to 24 feet 5.25 inches (7.45
M), while the wingspan was reduced to 31 feet 2 inches (9.5 M). The gross wing area was
reduced from 291. 17 Fr2 (27.05 M2) to 237.89 Ff2 (22.1 M2). Despite the smaller size and sim-
ilar construction, the CR 32's empty weight rose to 3205 lbs ( 1453.8 KG)-an increase of240
lbs ( 108.9 KG).
FIAT CR 32s assigned to 154• Squadriglla, 4• Stormo (Wing) are parked at Budapest,
T he fuselage structure was built of duralumin tubing and consisted of four Jongerons con-
Hungary for a flight display in 1936. The Stormo's 'Diavoli Rossi' (Red Devil) emblem is
nected by a triangular framework with U-section stringers supported by shaped, sheet alu-
located on the fuselage behind the cockpit. The number 154-4 on the aft fuselage is in
minum formers. The joints and spar j oints of the fuselage were made of steel. The forward part black. (Punka)
of the fuselage from the engine to the cockpit, the entire upper fuselage decking, and the area
around the tail wheel mounting structure was covered by light aluminum panels. The remain- CR 32s of 155' Squadriglia, 4• Stormo are assembled in Budapest for a flight display in
der of the fuselage was fabric covered. A circular chin intake ducted cooling air to the oil and 1936. These aircraft appear in silver dope and natural metal finish. The wing struts are
coolant radiators mounted o n the engine bearers beneath the engine. The o il tank was mount- painted black. The CR 32s on display were among 350 machines produced between 1934
ed in the extreme upper nose and capped by a series of 42 cooling fins - 21 per side. A 90 and 1936. (Punka)
gallon (340.7 L) fuel tank was mounted behind the engi ne firewaU and in front of the cockpit.
The open cockpit was equipped with standard instrumentation and an in-flight adjustable seat.
A wrap-around Perspex windshield protected the pilot.
The wings were built using two spars of drawn duralumin tubes of rectangular section and
ribs of square alum.inum tube. Ailerons were incorporated into the upper wing. These were
augmented by a set of bench-type boost ai le rons mounted above the uppe r wing surface. A cen-
ter bullet fairing built into the center section of the upper wing contained a 6.6 gallon (25 L)
auxiliary fuel tank. The upper wing was staggered forward by 9•30'. Both wings were fabric
covered. The wings were supported by Warren Truss steel struts attached to the two main spars
in each wing. A set of N-type cabane struts braced the upper wing center section to the fuse-
lage.
The tail surfaces were also made of duralumin construction covered by fabric. The variable-
incidence tailplane could be adjusted using a band wheel mounted on the port side of the cock-
pit. The rudder and e levator were both statically and aerodynamically balanced.
The fixed, split-axle main undercarriage inco rporated two main legs attached to the front
fuselage. The 3 1.5 inch (800 MM) balloon tires were eq uipped with pneumatic brakes and
hydraulic shock absorbers. The wheels were covered by streamlined aluminum wheel fairings.
The pneumatic brakes were suppl ied by a compressed air tank located behind aJJd to the right
of the pilot's seat.
 The CR 33 employed a 700 hp FIAT A.33 R.C. 35 engine on a CR 32 airframe. Flown for the
first time in 1937, this aircraft employed a three-bladed propeller and modified landing
gear struts. A 7.7MM machine gun was mounted in each lower wing. The CR 33 reached a
maximum speed of 262 mph (421 .6 t<MH) in tests; however, this aircraft did not enter oper-
ational service. (Punka)

on the upper surface of each lower wing. Apart from detail changes, the CR 32bis was also
equipped with an uprated FIAT A30 R Abis engine. Despite the additional power, the added
weight of the wing machine guns and ammunition were detrimental to the CR 32s maneuver-
ability and speed. CR 32bis production began in 1936 and amounted to 283 machines. Many
Maintenance crewmen service the 690 hp FIAT A30 RA engine of a first production series were exported to Austria, China, Hungary, Paraguay. and Spain.
CR 32. This liquid-cooled, V-12 engine also powered the earlier CR 30 fighter. The FIAT CR 32bis production was halted in July of 1937 in favor of the improved CR 32ter. Combat
two-bladed steel propeller has been removed. Oil cooling fins were mounted on the oil experience in Spain had convinced many pilots that the two cowl mounted 12.7MM machine
tank in front of the open engine. (Punka) guns offered sufficient ftrepower. CR 32ter fighters reverted to the earlier two-gun armament
The C R 32's armament consisted of a pair of .303 in caliber (7.7MM) Vickers or .50 caliber and had a slightly modified undercarriage. Later production versions mounted two attachment
( 12.7MM) Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted in the upper nose decking. These weapons points under the fuselage for 12 five pound (2.3KG), two 100 lb (45.4 KG) bombs, or one 200
were synchronized to fire through the propeller disc. Each weapon was fed from an ammuni- lb (90.7 KG) bomb. CR 32ter production amounted to 150 machines before production ceased
tion box mounted within the fuselage and acce sed via removable panels on the fuselage sides. in December of 1937.
Each box held 750 rounds of 7.7MM amm unition or 350 rounds of l 2.7MM ammunition. The FIAT CR 32quater represented the fi nal and definitive example of the CR 32 series
Despite the increase in weight and little improvement in power, the CR 32's maximum speed fighters. The ' quater' retained the armament and bomb carrying capability of the CR 32ter in
rose to 223.7 mph (360 KMH). With a fu lly loaded weight of over 4225 lbs ( 19 16.5 KG), the CR addition to receivi ng further improvements to the landing gear, gunsight, and cockpit instru-
32 had a takeoff run of 880 feet (268.2 M) and required five minutes and 25 seconds to reach mentation. Italian manufacture of the CR 32quater came to 337 machines before production
10,000 feel (3048 M). The CR 32's most outstanding quality was its superb maneuverability. halted in the fall of L939. A small number of ' quaters' were exported to Paraguay and
The first series of 50 machines (M.M. 2589 - 2638) was produced from March to August of Venezuela. A further 100 machines were licensed produced in Spain by Hispano-Suiza as the
1934. A total of 282 CR 32s were built before prod uction ceased in favor of the more heavily HA- 132-L 'Chirri' (Cricket: a lso, CR in Italian). These fighters - some converted to two-seat
armed FIAT CR 32bis. This variant retained the two 12.7MM SAFAT machine guns in the nose trainers - remained in service up to 1953. Total production of the CR 32 series amounted to
and received a second pair of machine guns - 7.7MM SAFATs - singly mounted in a fairing some 1152 machine .

8
The horizontal stabilizer incidence adjustment wheel is located in the port side of the CR
32quater cockpit. An oxygen bottle for high altitude flying is placed aft the control wheel,
beside the pilot's seat. The throttle is positioned above and just ahead of the adjustment
wheel. The leather strap attached to the rudder pedal keeps the pilot's foot on the pedal
during maneuvers. (Punka)

A clock and checklist holder are located on the starboard cockpit wall. A compressed air
cylinder is placed farther aft in the cockpit. This cylinder supplied air for the CR 32's pneu-
matic brakes. The light colored framework is natural metal (duralumin), while the cockpit
interior is painted anti-corrosion green (FS34491 ). (Punka)

The CR 32 cockpit was fairly standard for its time, with most controls mounted on the
tubular fuselage section. The CR 32quater instrument panel is mounted on the cockpit
frames and painted flat black. The top row of flight instruments are (L-R): fuel pressure
gauge; water and oil thermometer; air speed indicator; rate of climb indicator; another air
speed indicator; and a level indicator. The instruments on the bottom row are: oil pressure
gauge; fuel warning light; tachometer; turn and bank indicator; and altimeter. The tele-
scopic gunsighl is mounted above the b lack padded cockpit coaming while the gunsight
headrest is mounted at the top of the windshield. The OMI 03 compass is mounted below
the gunsight, flanked by the machine gun cocking handles. The control stick grip is visi-
ble immediatel'!I below the turn and bank indicator. The button on top of the control stick
grip triggers t he fighter's two 12.7MM Breda-SAFAT machine guns. The engine priming
handle is located in the lower left corner of the instrument panel. (Punka)

9
 FIAT CR 32quater Specifications
Wingspan...................31 feet 2 inches (9.5 M)
Length.........................24 feet 5.25 Inches (7.45 M)
Height..•..•..•.•.••...•..•....8 feet 7.5 inches (2.63 M)
Empty Welght.............3205 pounds (1453.8 KG)
Maximum Weight.......4225 pounds (1916.5 KG)
Powerplant.....•......•..••One 789 HP FIAT A30 A.A.bis 12-cylinder,
liquid-cooled, lnline engine
Armament...................Two fuselage mounted .50 calibre
(12.7 MM) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
with 350 rounds per gun
Maximum Speed........223.7 ,..,H (360 KMH) at 9840 feet (2999 M)
~ - -=- Service Ceillng...........24,770 feet (7549.9 M)
Range..•...............•.......495 miles (796.6 KM) at 197 MPH (317 KMH)
at 15,750 feet (4800.6 M)

0
0

10
 CR 32 Production

Serial Numbers Dates of Production No. Produced

M.M. 2589-2638 March-August 1934 50
2639-2662 November 1934-July 1935 24
2663- 2762 July- November 1935 100
2763-2870 November 1935-February 1936 108
2957- 3011 'bis' April-June 1936 55
3012- 3071 July-October 1936 60
3072-3091 January- February 1937 20
3092-3169 February-May 1937 78
3170-3239 May-July 1937 70
3420-3519 'ter' July- November 1937 100
3520-3569 November- December 1937 50
3892-3961 'quater' January- March 1938 70
4043-4192 March- September 1938 150
4209-4245 September- December 1938 37
The bullet fairing mounted in the center of the upper wing of this 4' Stormo CR 32 con-
4465-4494 November- December 1938 30
tained a 6.6 gallon (25 L) auxiliary fuel tank. The main fuel tank housing 90 gallons (341 L)
4618-4667 September 1938-May 1939 50 was mounted between the cockpit and the engine f irewall. The wing struts were usually
painted black on silver finished CR 32s before World War Two. (Punka)
NOTE: M.M. = Matricula Militare (Military Number)
Ten CR 32s of a Regla Aeronautica display team fly in formation during an aerobatic per-
formance. Aircraft from 4' and 6' Stormi demonstrated the maneuverability of the CR 32
in a series of displ ays in both Europe and South America between 1936 and 1939. (Punka)
In an attempt to improve maneuverabiLity, FfAT developed the CR 33. This ai rcraft was
based on the CR 32bis and first new during 1937. The CR 33 was powered by a 700 hp FIAT
A.33 R.C. 35 engine fitted with a three-bladed propeller. This aircraft also featured a modified
landing gear, and retained the CR 32bis' two wing-mounted 7.7MM machine guns. The CR 33
flew at a maximum speed of 262 mph (42 1.6 KMH) and had a range of 435 miles (700 KMH).
The Regia Aeronautica, despite the C R 33's improved performance, preferred the FIAT G.50
monoplane fighter. Only a handful of CR 33s were built, and none reached operational uniL~.

The CR 32 in China
Twenty-four CR 32s from the first production batch were earmarked for China, but not all
of these machines were actually shipped. FJAT personnel accompanying the shipment assem-
bled the fighters at Nanchang Air Base, near Shanghai. T he Chinese Air Staff had some prob-
lems with the machines. The distance of the FIA T's base made spare parts acquisition difficult.
Additionally, the FIAT A 30 RA engines ran on a mixture of gasoline, benzol. and alcohol
rather than standard aviation gasoline. Benzol and alcoho l were not available in Chin a, which
forced the two fuel additives to be imported. China gradually abandoned the CR 32 program
and no additional machines were purchased. The remaining C R 32s were eventually lost
through at1ritio n - some in accidents and others in combat against the Japanese whiJe flying
w ith the 8th Squadron, 3rd Fighter Group of the Chinese Air Force.

11
The CR 32 in the Spanish Civil War the .naming of the unit after a song popular at Lhe time, while another states that Moroccan
troops named the squadron based on the CR 32's resemblance to the insect.
The first CR 32s arrived by ship at Meli Ila, Morocco on 14 August I 936. AL tbis ti mt:, the Spanish pilo1s soon joined the Italian personnel. Capt Joaquin Garcia Morato, eventually the
Nationalist forces under the command of Generalisimo Francisco Franco. possessed o.rJv a highest scoring NationaJjst pilot, Capt Angel Salas Larrazabal, and Lt Julio Salvador Oiaz-
small air force. Four days later, the first fighters were reassembled, tested anc, in 1he days that Benjumea joined the unil in September. while Lt Miguel Garcia Pardo joined the squadron in
followed, flown to bases at Tablada and Cordoba. October. The 3• Escuadrilla was formed at Tablada on 28 September.
The fighter unit, equipped with twelve machi nes and commanded by CapiraltQ (Captain) The CR 32s soon gained air superiority against the Republican Air Force, primarily equipped
Vincenzo Oequal, was designated J• Escuadrilla de Caza de la Aviacion de Ei Tercio c I st with the Soviet 1- 15 and J- 16 fighters. The 1-15 biplane - nicknamed 'Chato · (Plat Nose) by
Fighter Squadron of the Foreign Legion Air Arm). The Spanish nicknamed the C R 32 "Chirri' the Spanish - lacked the Italian fighter's armament and strucniral strength. The 1-16 'Mosca'
(Cricket) and gave the fighter the type code number 3. (Fly) monoplane proved to be the CR 32's main adversary. The Soviet aircraft included such
The CR 32s were quickly thrown into combat in the Spanish Civil War. On 21 August 1936 advanced design features as a cantilever wing and retractable undercarriage. Thjs design
Teniente (Lieutenant) Ugo Ceccherelli shot down a Nieuport 52 over Cordoba during an inter- enabled the I- 16 to fly over 62.1 mph ( 100 KMH) faster than the CR 32. However, the Italian
cept and escort mission. This was the first aerial victory of the war. Five days later. Sergen.te fighter possessed better maneuverabiliry, diving speed, and turning radius than the 'Mosca.'
(Sergeant) Magistrini claimed the second victory when he shot down another Republican light- The CR 32's two 12.7MM machine guns also outranged the T-16's four 7.62MM weapons. This
er near Granada. An additional nine CR 32s arrived in Spain at the end of Augusl. The,e light- allowed CR 32 pilots to initiate and break off engagements at will.
ers - flown and maintained by Italians - were to form a second fighter squadron. The 1-16s prevailed over the CR 32s in their first meeting over Villa del Na,·alcalnero on 15
On 31 August 1936 French volunteers, flying Republican Hawker Furys. made their combat November. Four 'Moscas' brought down two Ja £scuadri/la CR 32s on the first firing pass.
debut and engaged four CR 32s. Two CR 32s, flown by Teniente Monico and Sergen.te The CR 32s gained revenge two days later, when Capitano Larrazabel's flight successfully
Castellani were shot down in the ensuing dogfight. These were the first losses of the Italian engaged five l-16s intercepting Nationalist Ju52/3m bombers.
fighter during the Civil War. The three escuadrillas of Aviacion de El Tercio were disbanded on 3 1 December 1936 upon
Another batch of nine CR 32s arrived on 3 September. These aircraft, combined with the ear- the creation of the Aviazione Legionaria (Aviation Legion). The squadrons were immediately
lier fighters, formed a second fighter escuadrilla in mid-September under Capilano Dante reformed as /6° Grupo (Group) 'Cucaracha'. This group consisted of 24". 25", and 26•
Olivera. At this time the /• £scuadrilla adopted the nickname 'La Cucaraclia · (The Squadriglie under the command of Maggiore (Major) Tarsisco Fagnani. /6° Grupo included
Cockroach). There are differences of opinion about the origins of the name. One opinion favors an all-Spanish flight ca11ed la Patrulla A zu/ (The Blue Patrol). This flight consisted of

Two of the first CR 32s sent to Spain fly a combat air patrol during 1936. The aircraft are These silver finished Aviaclon de El Terclo CR 32s display the two black att fuselage
finished in silver with black and white markings. An Aviacion de El Tercio (Spanish bands worn by Nationalist aircratt early In the Spanish Civil War. The black M on the rud•
Foreign Legion Air Arm) CR 32 downed their first Republican aircratt of the war - a ders was a morale marking at this point In the conflict. Later in the war, this monogram
Hispano-bullt Nieuport 52 - on 20 August 1936. (SMA) was the emblem of the Mussolini Squadriglla in Spain, (SMA)
Captains Morato and Narciso Bermudez de Castro, and Lt Diaz-Benjumea. commanded by Capitano Vosilla, employed these four-gun versions of the CR 32 in tile close
Morato would shoot down 4 1 aircraft in 80 engagements during the war to become the con- air support role.
flict's leading air ace. He became Commander in Chief of the Nationalist Air Force by the end CR 32s were heavily involved in the Batlle of the Ebro, which began on the evening of 24-
of 1938. Morato was killed in a flying accident on 4 April 1939 - one week after the Spanish 25 July 1938 with a Republican attack across the Ebro Ri ver. Air battles fought over the Ebro
Civil War ended. front involved up to 250 aircraft on both sides. These were the largest air clashes seen up to
The Aviazione Legionaria's CR 32 units supported Nationalist and Italian units fighting on Iha.I time in history. The Italians disbanded 6' Gruppo after the Nationalist victory at tile Ebro,
the Madrid front in central Spain during February and March of 1937. Three CR 32s were cap- and transferred the 27 CR 32s to Spanish units. One of these units was the new independent
tured after their pilots mistakenly landed on Republican-held airfields, and the aircraft subse- squadron 8-E-3, formed at Extremadura with eight aircraft. Capitano Jose Pazo served as 8-E-
quently taken into Republican service. This resulted in an order from Aviazione Legionaria 3's initial commander.
conunander Generate de Brigata Aeria Velardi for CR 32 units not to cross into Republican Aircraft from 23' Gruppo 'Asso di Bastoni' (Ace of Clubs) intercepted 20 of the remaining
air space. The incident also hastened the equipment of Spanish units with these aircraft. The Republican aircraft over the western Mediterranean Sea on 5 February 1939. The Republicans
first all-Spanish CR 32 squadron, 1-£-3 Escuadrilla, was formed with six aircraft on 30 March had departed Serona airfield after the fall of Barcelona that day, bound for still-friendly
1937. A second squadron was formed one month later, and these two units were formed into Valencia. T he CR 32s shot down four Republican aircraft in the dogfight, then destroyed five
2-G-3 Grupo on 4 May. Capitano Morato commanded this first all-Spanish Nationalist fight- [- 16s on lhe ground at Banolas airfield. The last aircraft from e ither side to be shot down was
er group. This unit was joined by two new Italian CR 32 groups, 6 . Gruppo (3 /", 32". aud 33' a 23" Gruppo CR 32 downed on 3 1 March 1939 - the day the Spanish Civil War ended.
Squadriglie) and 23' G111ppo (/ff', 19', and 20' Squadriglie). Al war· s end, 199 CR 32s remained in service out of the 377 delivered during the three-year
The Nationalist CR 32 units participated in air operations over the Madrid and Aragon fronts long conflicc. Of those in service, 96 aircraft were assigned to Italian units, 89 served in
during the spring and summer of 1937. Republican air raids on P alma Mal lorca - an island off Spanish units, and 14 others were in repair depots or serving in the Nationalist Escue/a de Cayi
Spain's southeast coast - resulted in the formation of /0 ' Gruppo Autonomo Caccia de/la (Fighter School). The Nationalists received 11 5 CR 32s from the Italians during the Civi.l War.
Baleari ( I 0th Independent Fighter Group of the Balearics) during November of 1937. This new CR 32s served as the standard fighter of the Ejercito de/ Aire (Spanish Air Force) after the
CR 32 unit consisted of IOI" and 102" Squadriglie and was based at San Juan, Ma llorca. \var. Hispano-Suiza built 100 CR 32quaters, designated HA-I 32-L Chirri, between 1940 and
A second Spanish CR 32 group, 3-0-3, was formed at the beginn ing of 1938 and operated 194 3. T hese fighters served with Regimiento Mixto No. 3 (28 Grupo) and Regimiemo Mixto
in the Battle of Teruel being fought at that time. TI1e Aviazio11e Legionaria also received 12 CR No. 4 (29 Grupo). H,ispano-Suiza also converted 40 CR 32s into tandem two-seat trainers in
32bis aircraft to equip the Squadriglia Awonomo Mitragliamento 'Frecce' (Arrows). This unit. 1942 for service with the sing le seat machines in the Escuela de Caw.

A silver CR 32 flies over Cap di Bernardo airfield, Spain in 1936. The intake underneath the A X Gruppo 'Balaeri' CR 32 performs a patrol mission over the Balearic Islands during
propeller spinner ducted air to the oil and coolant radiators mounted beneath the engine. 1938. The aircraft number (7) is in white next to the black fuselage disc. The aircraft is
The exterior of the water coolant radiator is in a darker shade of metal than the surround- painted green, sand, and terracotta (red-brown) on the upper surfaces with light gray on
ing fuselage skin. (SMA) the undersurfaces. (SMA)

13
 CR 32 (early production)

CR 32bis

...____- - Machine Gun in

CR 32bis (451) is parked at Republican-held Don Benito airfield after its Italian pilot land- Lower Wing
ed there by mistake on 19 September 1936. The wheel spats were removed from the CR
32 - a normal practice when operating from muddy airfields. A Republican Nieuport-
Oelage 52 f ighter is parked behind the CR 32's tail. {de Celis Borrell) A 7.7MM Breda-SAFAT machine gun was
mounted in the starboard lower wing of the
An Aviazione Legionaria (Italian Aviation Legion) mechanic rests his arm on the lower CR 32bis. The wing guns increased the CR
wing of CR 32 (560) in May of 1937. The aircraft was assigned to 18' Squadriglia, XXfll 32's firepower, but also degraded the fighter's
Gruppo 'Asso di Bastoni' (Ace of Clubs). A white number 18 is painted on the black wheel maneuverability and speed. CR 32bis produc-
spat flash. Black Nationalist discs are painted on the under surface of the upper wing and tion totaled 283 aircraft between April of 1936
on the aft fuselage. (IHCA via de Celis Borrell) and July of 1937. {de Celis Borrell)

CR 32bis Lower Wing Gun

7.7MM Breda-SAFAT
Machine Gun
(Above) Comandante Joaquin Garcia Morato, the leading (Below) Three CR 32s assigned to 25' Squadr/glia, XVI (Above) Aircraft 3-57 is a CR 32 assigned to La Patrulla Azul
air ace of the Spanish Civil War, stands beside the tail of Gruppo Caccia 'Cucaracha' (Cockroach) fly in formation (Blue Patrol), Grupo 2-G-3 at Zaragoza in April of 1937. The
his CR 32. The tail is adorned with the emblem of during the battle of Brunete in July of 1937. The lead air- fighter's upper surfaces are camouflaged with green and red-
Morato's La Patrulla Azul (Blue Patrol). Three diving craft displays white group commander's markings on the brown mottling on a sand base. The red yoke and arrows
white birds are on a light blue disc bordered in medium black fuselage disc. The XVI Gruppo Caccia insignia is dis- emblem of the Falangist (fascist) movement is on the black
blue. The medium blue words on the bottom of the played on a white triangle behind the cockpits. Individual fuselage disc. The Spanish Nationalist forces assigned the
emblem read VISTA, SUERTE Y AL TORO (A GLANCE, aircraft numbers are displayed ahead of the coekpit. (SMA) CR 32 the type code number 3. (IHCA via de Celis Borrell)
LUCK, AND AT THE BULLS). (Juan Arrees Cerda via de
Celis Borrell)

15
(Below) Two XVI Gruppo 'Cucaracha' CR 32s peel away (Above) Major Aldo Remondino flew this CR 32 while (Below) Five CR 32s of XVI Gruppo maintain formation above
from each other and their formation. The near aircraft has commander of XXfll Gruppo 'Asso di Bastogni' at the clouds during a mission against the Spanish Republicans.
a replacement port aileron - indicated by the lack of white Escartron in August o l 1938. The group emblem is paint- This unit was nicknamed 'Cucaracha' (Cockroach) possibly
markings. Three black stripes are painted beside the ed just behind the cockpit. The black fuselage disc has by Moroccan troops who saw a resemblance between the
white cross on the wingtips, with the outermost section In white command markings. A canvas sheet has been insect and the CR 32. A fully-loaded CR 32 could reach 10,000
white. (SMA) secured to the aft l uselage in front of the tail. (Cerda via feet (3048 M) In five minutes and 25 seconds. (SMA)
de Celis Borrell)

16
HA-132-L (a Hispano-Suiza manufactured CR 32quater) number 260 sits in a hangar in This CR 32 13-61) was flown by Capt Angel Salas, commander of 2' Escadril/a, Grupo 2-G-
Nationalist-held Spain. The sand and green upper surface camouflage was extended to 3, at Verano during 1937. The words BERMUDEZ PRESENTE are painted in black on the
the propeller blades on this aircraft. Hispano-Suiza manufactured 100 HA-132-L 'Chirris ' fuselage. The black fuselage disc includes the red Falangist emblem, while the insignia of
for the Spanish Air Force. (de Celis Borrell) La Patrvlla Azul (Blue Patrol) is on the vertical stabilizer. (IHCA via de Celis Borrell)
Maintenance personnel service CR 32 No. 20, assigned to 2(1' Squadriglia, XX/11 Gruppo in A Republican pilot poses in front of a captured CR 32 that has been repainted in
Spain. The engine access panel and upper wing fuel tank fairing have been removed to Republican colors. This color scheme consisted of olive green uppersurfaces over light
allow servicing of these areas. A hand-held camera is visible In the foreground . (SMA) blue undersurfaces with red wingtips and rear fuselage band. (IHCA via de Celis Borrell)
The CR 32 in the Soviet Union
One FIAT CR 32bi was captured by Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War and
sent to the Soviet Union in I937. This aircraft flew simulated dogfights against a Po likarpov J-
15 - one of the CR 32's opponents in Spain - at the Scientific Research Institute of rhe
(Soviet) Air Forces. The evaluation demonstrated the Italian fighter's inferiority in 1ime-to-
climb and maneuverability. The Soviets also found taking off in the CR 32bis to be difficu lt,
and high pilot skills \~ere required 10 perform such aerobatic maneuvers as the 'splir S' com-
pared to the L-15. T he Ital ian airc raft demonstrated a more superior annamem than its Soviet
adversary did. This advan1age allowed CR 32bis pilots to engage 1-15s at a greater range than
was possible with the Soviet fighter. The Soviet test pilots found the CR 32bis' advan1age
impossible to realize during combat due to rhat aircraft's inferior speed and time-to-climb.

The CR 32 in Austrian Service

The Ausrrirui Federal Ministry of National Defense ordered 45 CR 32bis aircraft al the begin-
ning of 1936. Thee fighters were used to equip a new fighter wing. Jagdgeschwader II. The
wing was based al Weiner .Neustadl and consisted of three squadrons: Jagdstaffe/11 4111. 5111.
and 6/11. The CR 32s were impressed imo Luftwaffe service upon the German Anschluss
(A1mexation) of A ustria on 13 March 1938. Jagdgeschwader II was redesigna1ed /. This CR 32bis (Nr. 418) was assigned to Jagdgeschwader (Fighter Wing) // of the Austrian
Gruppe/Jagdgeschwader /38 ar Aspern, however, the CR 32bis could 1101 be inregrated into Air Force. Austrian aircraft were finished in silver dope and natural metal with wing struts
the Lu ftwaffe as front li ne fighters due to their incompatibility with existing German equip- painted black. National markings on the rudder and fuselage are red and white, and the
ment. Following brief service as fighter trainers, the 36 remaining CR 32bis figh ters were sold stripe ahead of the cockpit Is in red. Austria received 45 CR 32bis fighters during 1936.
(Hofllng)
to Hungary.

CR 32bis (Nr. 147) was repainted in German markings after the Anschluss (Annexation) of This ex-Austrian CR 32bis nosed over on landing at a Luftwaffe training school, damag-
Austria on 13 March 1938. The venturi tube under the windshield provided Input to the ing the starboard wing tip and propeller. The aircraft uppersurfaces are camouflaged in
cockpit's turn and bank indicator. The black swastika on the tail is mounted on a white cir- black green (RLM 70/FS34050) and dark green (ALM 71/FS34079). The front of the upper
cle set in a red band.The wing machine guns have been removed from this aircraft. (Vaclav wing lairing, however, remains in natural metal. The wing machine guns have also been
Simecek) removed from this aircraft. (Reisinger)
 ing up to 220.S lbs ( I00 KG). These aircraft were employed in close air support missions and
The CR 32 in World War Two proved particularly useful in attacking British armored vehicles. Few CR 32s however. were
equipped with two-way radios and this limited their ability 10 respond to changing tactical sit-
The CR 32 was the largest single fighter aircraft type in the Regia Aero11autica (RA) when uations. The British offensive in December of 1940 routed the Italians in North Africa and
Italy entered World War Two on I0 June 1940. The 294 machines - more than one quarter annihilated the CR 32s stationed there.
of Italy's fighter strength-equipped eight Gruppi (Groups) and four Squadriglie (Squadrons) The CR 32s of 41()' and 4JJ• Squadriglie in Italian East Africa new fighter. assault, and
in Italy, Albania, Libya, Italian East Africa, and Rhodes in the Aege-an Sea. The RA'~ other reconnaissance missions against the advancing British forces during the first half of 1.941.
368 fighters consisted of FIAT CR 42s, FIAT G S0s, and Macchi MC 200s. Pilots of 41(> Squadriglia claimed 14 British aircraft shot down by mid-April, when the
The RA's basic tactical unit was the Stormo (Wing), composed of two Gruppi. Each Gruppo l talians in East Africa were reduced to one operational CR 32.
Caccia (Fighter Group) consisted of three Squadriglie, equipped with six to nine aircrafr. There Wh ile the fighting in Africa took place, other Regia Aero11autica CR 32s saw action over the
were also several A11101101110 (Independent) groups and squadrons in the RA. Mediterranean Sea and the Greek-Albanian Front. Beginning on I June 1940, aircraft of 30 •
The first Regia Aeronautica CR 32s to see action in World War Two were the aircraft of 50' Gruppo, based at Aighero on Sardinia, defended the port of Cagliari and flew bomber escort
Stormo Assa/to (50th Assault Wing) in Libya. On 11 June 1940 the wing's CR 32s shot down and maritime auack missions. These CR 32s were replaced with FIAT CR 42s beginning in
two Royal Air Force (RAF) Bristol Blenheim bombers attacking the strategic port cily of January of 194 1. Two squadrons of 160' Grnppo A11to1101110 were stationed in Albania-occu-
Tobruk. British and Italian fighters met for the flrst time three days later over Fort Capuzzo, pied by Italy during March of 1939 - and flew against Greek aircraf1 from October of 1940
when a CR 32 was shot down by a Gloster Gladiator. The CR 32s were escorting Caproni Ca ual il early 1941.
310 bombers when they were attacked by the RAF fighters, which also brought down one of C R 32s and G S0s assigned to 2 ' Gruppo operated from Grottaglie and Bari in southeast Italy.
the bombers. The Italians countered on 14 June when Capitano (Captain) Lucchini shot down These fighter patrolled the lower lonian Sea and the Italian coastline. Four CR 32s were
a Gladiator over Buq Buq. assigned as night fighters with 20° Grnppo in defense of Rome before being reassigned 10 21 '
The CR 32 units stationed in Libya and Italian East Africa - Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Erit rea, Gruppo of 51" Stormo at Guidonia on 13 June 1940. On 11 September this grou p was trans-
and Italian Somaliland - were primarily equipped with the CR 32quater. These aircraft were ferred to 52" Stormo and sent to the Greek-Albania Front.
equipped with a supplemental radiator to provide increased engine cooling under desert con- By May of 1941 the remaining RA CR 32s were relegated to fighter training duties, a role
ditions. Most of these CR 32s were also fitted with racks under the fuselage for bombs weigh- they performed up to the Italian Armistice of 3 September 1943.

CR 32 Flame Damper The main wheel fairings have been removed from CR 32 GR0-86. Regia Aeronautics CR
Exhaust Flame Damper 32s were camouflaged dark green (FS 34096) and sand (FS33481) on the uppersurfaces,
[Both Sides with light gray (FS36373) undersurfaces in 1938. The rudder is striped green (forward),
white, and red from 1938 untll the summer of 1940. The lettering on the fuselage Is black.
(Punka)

CR 32 Supplemental
Radiator

Supplemental Coolant
Radiator
(Above Left) A camouflaged CR 32 is parked in front of other CR 32s at an Italian air base
early in World War Two. The front propeller blades remained in natural metal, while the
back of the blades was painted flat black to eliminate glare. The Italian Insignia on the
wings consisted of three fasces on a white disc trimmed in black. The Italian upper sur-
face camouflage of dark green and sand wrapped around the leading edges of the wings
and horizontal tail surfaces. (Punka)

(Above) An Italian pilot stands by the starboard wing of GRO-82, a CR 32 employed for
training purposes, at Grottaglie in southern Italy. Another man sits in the cockpit. The
fasces insignia displayed on the fuselages consisted of a light and dark brown bundle of
rods around a silver forward-facing ax blade on a blue field. A pltot tube for feeding air to
the cockpit' s airspeed indicator is mounted on the forward interplane strut. (Punka)

(Left) A CR 32 parked in front of Savoia Marchetti SM 84 bombers displays the white cross
which replaced the tricolored rudder stripes on Italian aircraft in the summer of 1940. The
white rear fuselage band was added that fall to provide rapid recognition of Italian aircraft.
The entry step on the CR 32's lower fuselage assisted pilots in entering and exiting the
aircraft. (SMA)
The CR 32 in Hungarian Service
Hungary - forbidden to have an air force following iLs defeat in World War One - pur-
chased l 2 unarmed FIAT CR 20bis fighters in 193 l. These aircraft, and four CR 20B Lrai11ers
that soon followed, were given Hungarian civil registrations. The CR 20s were assigned to J.
Meteorological Group, the cover name for the flt. vadaszszazad (Fighter Squadron) based at
Szombathely in western Hungary. During 1934 these fighters were armed with two Hungarian-
made 7.92MM 26/31 M. GKH type Gebauer machine guns.
Following Lhe signing of the Rome Protocol with Italy in 1935, the Magyar Ugiigyi Hivaral
(Hungarian Aviation Department) ordered 26 CR 32s and 26 more the following year. The 52
aircrafL arrived in Hungary between 23 April and 2 December 1936. These CR 32s were also
armed with two 7 .92MM Gebauer machine guns. The fighters were assi.gned to I.
Meteorological Group, which was moved from Szombathely to Szekesfehervar during 1936.
The group was composed of three sub-groups (squadrons): lit. 'Ijasz' (Archer); f/2. 'Ludas
Matyi' (Maui the Goose Boy, a Hungarian folklore character}, and 113. 'Puma· (Moumain
Lion).
On 22 August 1938 an agreement was signed in Bled, Yugoslavia by Hungary and the 'Little
Entente' states - Czechoslovakia, Rumania. and Yugoslavia. This agreemem recognized
Hungary's right to rearm itself in exchange for Hungary's promise not to forcibly reclaim ter-
ritory lost under the 1920 Peace T reaty of Tri anon. The now legal Royal Hungarian Ai r Force
(RHAF) first wem on war alert during the Munich Crisis in October of 1938. On 23 March
1939 - following Gennany's seizure of Bohemia and Moravia - Hungary reoccupied the
easternmosL Slovak province of Upper Hungary (Ruthenia). S lovak aircraft at1acked the
advancing Hungarian troops Lhat day, prompting the RHAF into action the next day.
CR 32s of flt. 'fjasz' and //2. 'Ludas Matyi' squadrons engaged Slovak A via B 534 fight-
During 1938 the MKHL (Royal Hungarian Air Force) experimented with winter camouflage
ers twice over Ruthenia and Hungary on 24 March. During Lhe morning nine " fjas::.' a ircraft
o n a CR 32 at Varpalota. White patches were painted on the dark green upper surfaces and
encountered six B 534s over lgl6 (now Spisska Nova Yes, Slovakfa). The Hungarians damaged the front of the propeller blades. The white portions of the wing national insignia were
three Slovak aircraft - one of which was destroyed on landing and another captured after overpalnted with light gray, while the red (outer) and green portions remained unchanged.
landing in Hungarian territory- without any loss. Nine FIATs from 'fjasz' squadron attacked M aintenance crewmen are at work around the CR 32. (Kovacs)
six B 534s and three Letov S 328 bombers over Szobranc. The CR 32 pilots claimed seven
Slovak aircraft shot down (of which five were confirmed) for no loss on their side. The con- Royal Hungarian Air Force
flict ended with the signing of a 'Border Treaty' by Hungary and Slovakia on 28 March 1939.
By the end of that year, 113. 'Puma' squadron relinquished its CR 32s and was rede ignated CR 32 Units
212. squadron, while ill. was renamed 'D011g6' (Bumble Bee).
Hungary allowed German forces 10 arrack Yugoslavia from Hungarian territory on 4 April S quadron Home Base City Defense Responsjbilicy
1941. One week later, Hungarian troops advanced into northe rn Yugoslavia. CR 32s of Ill.
and //2. squadrons assisted other RHAF units in supporting friend ly forces during this brief 1/1. 'Dong6' Felsoabrany 6zd-Di6sgyor
campaign. Two CR 32s were lost and another machine was damaged in the fighLing before []311mble Bee)
Yugoslavian forces facing Hungary surrendered on I 3 April.
On 22 June 1941 - the day Germany invaded the Soviet Union - l/1. was based at Ungvar 1/2. 'Ludas Matyi' Felsoabrany 6zd-Di6sgyor
(now Ushgorod, Ukraine) and 1/2. was located at Felsoabrany. These units were responsible p,latty the Goose Boy)
for defending lhe industrial cities of Miskolc and D.i6sgyor. At 1258 hrs on 26 June. three
unknown twin-engine aircrafL bombed the northern Hungarian city of Kassa (now Kosice, 211. 'Macko' Nyiregyhaza Debrecen
S lovakia). All available CR 32s were scrambled to intercept, however, the bombers escaped (Teddy Bear)
without loss. Hungary's War Cabinet identified Lhe attacking aircraft as Soviet, and declared
war on the Soviet Union that day. The obsolete CR 32s were soon relegated to fighter training 212. 'Puma' Nyir.egyhaza Debrecen
duties i.n Lhe RHAF. (Mountain Lion)

21
(Below) A pilot prepares to board a CR 32 assigned to 114. (Above) CR 32 (V.157) was assigned to 115. vadaszszazad (Below) The 1/2. vadaszszazad (Fighter Squadron) 'Ludas
vadaszszazad 'Teve' (Camel) of the Royal Hungarian Air (Fighter Squadron) 'Dongo' (Bumble B~) of the Royal Matyi' (Matti the Goose Boy) insignia appears on the forward
Force. Aire.raft 61 appears in the pre-war silver finish Hungarian Air Force. The aircraft is camouflaged with fuselage of a CR 32. Matti the Goose Boy was a character in
applied to Hungarian CR 32s. Aircraft numbers are black. dark green uppersurfaces. The number V.157 on the aft Hungarian folklore. This squadron was assigned to 1.
Hungary received 52 CR 32s from Italy during 1936 and 36 fuselage is in black with yellow shadow, while the Vadaszezred (1 st Fighter Regiment) and operated from
ex-Austrian CR 32bis fighters from Germany two years squadron insignia is placed just in front of the cockpit. Veszprem during the brief Ruthenian Conflict with Slovakia in
later. (Punka) (Kovacs) March of 1939. (Punka)
(Below) Two Royal Hungarian Air Force pilots shake (Above) CR 32 (V-135) was assigned to 1/3. (Below) An apparently amused ground crewman reads a news-
hands beside a 1/2. 'Ludas Matyi' CR 32 during 1941 . The vadaszszazad 'Puma' (Mountain Lion) at paper while seated on the starboard wheel spat of a 115.
squadron emblem was applied to the forward fuselage, Szekesfehervar, Hungary during 1939. The aircraft's 'Dongo' Squadron CR 32. A series of 42 cooling fins were
while a yellow Eastern Front identification band was paint- uppersurfaces are camouflaged in dark green (FS34096), mounted over the oil tank, which was located behind the pro-
ed just behind the cockpit. At the end of 1939, aircraft V- dark brown (FS301D9), and medium gray (FS36165). Tail peller. Cooling air for the oil and water radiators was ducted
135 was transferred from 1/3. 'Puma' to 1/2. 'Ludas Matyi. ' wheel and compressed air dollies are parked in the fore- through the chin intake below the propeller spinner. The water
(Punka) ground. (Punka) radiator is left in natural metal. (Kovacs)
CR 32 (V.156) Is parked in front of a hangar at a Hungarian maintenance facility. The air- This Hungarian CR 32 displays the Warren Truss struts supporting the wings and the N·
craft is camouflaged in dark green, dark brown and medium gray uppersurfaces. The fuse- type cabane struts connecting the upper wing to the fuselage. The last pilot operating this
lage code is black. The V on the fuselage stood for vadasz (fighter). The ' benches' appear- aircraft left the elevator lowered and the rudder turned to starboard. {Punka)
ing on the upper wing are outrigged aileron balance tabs. (Punka)
Three MKHL (Royal Hungarian Ai r Force) CR 32s fly In formation prior to 1941 - indicated
CR 32 (V.102) overturned at a Hungarian airfield, causing damage to the top of the rudder by lhe lack of a yellow fuselage band. The Hungarian Insignia - a chevron in red (outside),
and upper wing. This aircraft wears the insignia of 1/1. 'ljasz' (Archer) Fighter Squadron. while, and green - was adopted on 1 September 1938. This chevron was used until 1
This CR 32 is missing the national insignia on its tail. (Punka) March 1942. (Punka)
 CR 32 (154-4) was a flight demonst ration aircraft assigned to 154"
Squadrlglfa, 4 • Stormo 'Dlavolf Rossi' (Red Devils) In 1936. The
fuselage fasces and the House of Savola emblem on the rudder
were standard markings on Italian mllltary aircraft.

Austrian Air Force CR 32bls Nr. 147 was operated by Jagdges chwader
II
(II Fighter Wing) prior to Austria's annexati on by Germany In 1938. After
the annexati on, these fighters saw brief service with the German
Luftwaffe before being sold to Hungary

CR 32 (7) was assigned to 10· Gruppo

Autonom o Caccia de/la Ba/earl (10th
Independent Fighter Group of the Balearlcs)
and was based at San Juan, Mallorca during
1938.

Comandante Joaquin Garcia Morato flew this CR 32bls (3-51)

for 'La Patrulla Azul' (The Blue Patrol), 2-G-3 at Zaragoza,
Spain In Aprll of 1937. Morato shot down 41 Republican air-
craft to become the leading air ace of the Spanish Clvll War.

CR 32 (V.157) was assigned to 1/ 1.Vadaszszaz.sd 'Dong6' (1/5. Bumble

Bee Fighter
Squadron), Royal Hungarian Air Force at Szekesfehervar, Hungary In
1939. Hungarian
CR 32s saw action In the brief border war with Slovakia In March of 1939,
the Invasion
of Yugoslavia In April of 1941, and the Invasion of the USSR In June
of 1941.
 CR 42 Falco (21) was assigned to 3111. Groupe de Chasse (3rd Squadron, II.
Fighter Group), Belgian Air Force at Nlvelles, Belgium In May of 1940. The
squadron emblem was the cocotte blanc an aircraft on 10 May 1940.

11

This CR 42 (7-85) was operated by B~ Squadrlglla Qaccla Terrestre, 1s·

Gruppo (85th Fighter Squadron, 18th Group), assigned to Corpo Aerea
ltallano (ltallan Air Corps) at Maldegen, Belgium In the fall of 1940. At least
five CR 42s were shot down by the RAF.

CR 42AS (15) was flown from Libya by 15• Stormo Assa/to (15th Assault
Wing) In support of Axis forces during the fall of 1942. The aircraft Is
equipped with a sand filter under the engine cowling and carried a 220.5 lb
(100 KG) bomb under each wing.

Lt Albert Seres flew CR 42 (V.202) with 1/3. 'Kor Asz' (Ace of Hearts) Fighter
Squadron, MKHL (Royal Hungarian Air Force) during the summer of 1942.
Four 'klll' marks painted on the tall represent Soviet aircraft downed by
Seres. The white cross over a black square became the new MKHL Insignia
on 1 March 1942.

CR 42AS was operated by the Luftwaffe's Nachtschlachtgeschwader(NSG)

20 from Strassbourg, France In late 1943 for anti-partisan and night harass-
ment missions. Landing gear fairings were removed to facilitate operations
from muddy airfields.
FIAT CR 40/CR 40bis FIAT CR 41
During the early 1930s the Italian Air Ministry examined the use of air-cooled radial engines Another forward step in the experimental radial engined CR series was the C R 41. This fight-
in tighter aircraft. Such engines were .less vulnerable to battle damage than liquid-cooled er used a modified CR 40 airframe powered by a 729 hp Gnome-Rhone Mistral l\fajor 14Ksf
engines used by the CR 30 and CR 32. FlAT 's response to this suggestion was to develop the engine. This 14-cylinder, double row engine was manufactured under license by FlAT, and
CR 40, a derivative of the CR 32 powered by a 550 hp Bristol Mercury IVA radial engine. was regarded as the best engine in its category. The CR 41 also featured a three-bladed pro-
fllgeg11er (Engineer) Celestino Rosatelli developed a new gull wing intended to improve pilot peller, wing-mounted machine guns. and an e nlarged vertical stabilizer and rudder.
visibility, while retaining the CR 32's fuselage, tail. and undercarriage. The dural spars. ribs . The CR 41 made its first flight in 1936. a few days after the debut of the CR 40bis. Test
and false ribs were covered with sheet metal on the forward fuselage and cloth elsewhere on flights were flown with the CR 4 1 employing two-bladed and three-bladed propellers. This air-
the ai rframe. This aircraft retained the CR 32's armament of two fuselage mounted 12.7mm craft reached a max imum speed of 248 mph (399.1 KMH). Despite this performance increase.
Breda-SAFAT machine guns with 600 rounds of ammunition per gun. the CR 41 was cancelled that year due to the development of the CR 42 underway in the
The CR 40 prototype (M.M. 202) was completed in early I934 and flight tests under Technical Office of Ingegner Rosatelli.
Comandame Francesco Brack-Papa began at the end of March. The CR 40's top speed of 235.6
mph (379.2 KMH) was only slightly faster than the CR 32's 233 mph (375 KMH). Additionally.
the new CR 40 possessed inferior climbing performance and stability compared to the CR 32.
The lone CR 40 built crashed in 1935.
The CR 42 prototype (M.M. 4265) first flew on 23 May 1938. This aircraft was retrofitted to
The CR 40bis retained the CR 40's airframe while substituting a 700 hp FIAT A.59R engine.
production standard by incorporating a fixed tail wheel and shortened exhaust pipes. The
This nine-cyli nder radial engine was based on the Prall & Whitney Hornet SDG; however, the CR 42 is finished in overall silver dope and natural metal, with green-whi1e-red rudder
FIAT powerplant generated nearly 200 hp more than the American engine. The single CR stripes. The crest of the House of Savoia - Italy's royal family - appears on the top of the
40bis flew a series of engine test flights between 1936 and 1937, but no further CR 40bis' were white rudder stripe. The type designation and serial number under the horizontal stabiliz-
built. er are in white with black trim. (Punka)
FIAT CR 42 Falco
Test pilot Coma11da111e Valentino Cu rook the FIAT CR 42 prototype up on its first flight
on 23 May 1938. After the first three hours of flight testing, Cus described the new fighter as
"the 11/timaie pilot's aeroplane." The test program was conducted at a rapid pace with minor
problems being rapidly solved. Some revisions included rearranging instrumentation and ru1cil-
lary controls. replacing the retractable tail wheel with a fixed unit, and shortening the exhaust
pipes.
Following completion of the acceptance program, the Ministero dell' Aeronautica (Italian
Air Ministry) awarded FIAT an initial production contract for 200 CR 42s. This procurement
plan allowed for lhe re-equipment ore tablishment of three Gruppi (Groups) and four Stormi
(Wings) with the new fighter.
Several foreign technical missions arrived in Turin - where the CR 42 tests took place -
dUJing the summer of 1938. These delegation from Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Hungary. Japan,
and Portugal arranged for experimental flights using their own pilots. Their interest in the CR
42 was stimulated by the success of the earlier CR 32 in the skies over Spain.
Toe CR 42 Falco (Falcon) was powered by the new 846 hp FIAT A.74 R.C.38 radial engine.
This twin-row engine was derived from Gnome-Rhone designs a11d drove a three-bladed F IAT-
Hamilton 3D constant speed metal propeller. The engine turned the propeller al 2500 rpm for
thre.e minutes at maximum horsepower and was rated at 828 hp al 12.465 ft (3799.3 M). Workers assemble CR 42 fuselage sections at the FIAT plant in Turin, Italy. Aluminum
The Falco's structure sesquiplane layout followed that of Rosatelli ·s earlier fighter designs, skinning has been Installed on the forward and upper fuselage areas and tall. Fabric has
yet to be applied over the aft fuselage framing. The CR 42's fuselage structure employed
manganese-molybdenum steel tubing. (Tanzi)
Two 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns are installed in the fuselage of a CR 42 on the
production line. The guns are mounted in front of the cockpit and above the ammunition
magazine and synchronized to fire through the propeller disc. Each machine gun was fed including the CR 32. The fabric-covered wings employed double spars and ribs made from
with 400 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition. (Tanzi) light alloy and steel, with metal leading edge skins. The dural-framed ai lerons were also cov-
ered in fabric and were installed only on the upper wing. The upper wing was constructed in
two halves joined along the fuselage centerline lO inverted-vee cabane struts, while the lower
wi ng was attached to the bouom fuselage longerons.
The fuselage structure consisted of triangulated framework built from manganese-molybde-
num steel tubing. Light aluminum panels covered the forward fuselage lO a point immediately
behind the cockpit, the dorsal decking between the cockpit and tail, and the tail cone. The aft
fuselage was covered in fabric. The tail surfaces employed duralumin framing with metal cov-
ering on the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The rudder and elevators were covered in fab-
ric with metal elevator tabs.
The undercarriage was attached to the main spar of the lower wing stub, and featured oleo-
pneumatic dampers and compressed air brakes. Streamlined fairings covered lhe gear legs and
wheels. Another fairing covered the fixed tailwheel.
Initial production CR 42s differed from the prototypes in a nu,uber of areas. These included
a recontoured carburetor air intake lip, the introduction of small rocker arm blisters on the
engine cowling, a redesign of the propeller control housing, and replacement of the prototype's
retractable tailwheel with a fixed unit.
Fuel was contained in a 91 gaUon (344.5 L) main tank installed behind the engine firewall.
A supplemental 28.6 gallon (108.3 L) fuel tank was placed beneath the ammunition container.
The CR 42's armament consisted of two 12.7MM Breda-SAFAT machine guns installed in
front of the cockpit and synchronized to fire through the propeller disc. Either or both of these
 CR 42 Production
Serial Numbers Dates of Production No. Produced
M.M. 4265-4464 February-December 1939 200
4968-5058 December 1939-March 1940 100
5510-5709 March- August 1940 200
6248-6287 September-October 1940 40
6288-6307 October 1940 20
6903-6952 October- November 1940 50
6963-7001 August-September 1940 39
7002- 7046 December 1940 45
7048-7067 20
7069-7107 40
7109-7208 February-March 1941 100
7459-7658 March-September 1941 200
8467-8560 September 1941-June 1942 94
8744-8793 50
8844-8993 February-July 1942 150
9125-9284 July-October 1942 160
9768-9917 November 1942-June 1943 150
9951- 9999 1943 48
Werk Nr. 10001- 10063 1943-1944 62
FIAT workers install the FIAT A.74 R.C.38 engine to a CR 42 at the factory. One worker
crouched on the lower wing performs adjustments to the forward fuselage framing. The
A.74 R.C.38 was a twin-row air-cooled radial engine capable of providing 846 horsepow-
er. (Tanzi)
A worker standing on the lower wing works on the engine of a CR 42 in final assembly in
Turin. The next aircraft in line has part of its cowling installed, while the others have full
guns could be replaced with a 7.7MM Breda-SAFAT weapon. This replacement was perfom1ed
cowlings, propellers, and spinners in place. FIAT produced over 1500 CR 42s from 1939
at unit level to slightly reduce the aircraft's weight. The ammunition bins could accommodate to 1943. (Tanzi)
up to 400 rounds per gun. A round expenditure counter was installed on the inslrumenl panel
and a San Giorgio Type B re flector gun sight was fitted. No radio was ti11ed for the pilot.
Various modifications were made to the CR 42s beginning in 194 1. The fi rst modification
consisted of insta.11 ing light bomb racks on aircraft at unit level. These racks could carry bombs
we igh ing up to 220.5 lbs ( I00 KG). The ground attack role became an imponant factor in CR
42 operations in Nonh Africa. This modified ai rcraft, also equipped with a sand filter under the
eng ine cowling, was designated CR 42AS (Africa Se11e111rio11ale: North Africa). It was
believed that some ground attack CR 42s were equipped with two 12.7MM machine guns or
20MM cannons under the wings; however, there is no evidence supporting this claim. Several
CR 42s were modified with an internal auxiliary fuel tank for operations against Crete. These
aircraft received the designation CR 42Egeo (Aegean).
Another specialized version of the aircraft was the CR 42CN (Caccia Nom~ma: Night
Fighte r) for home defense duties. The CR 42CN was equipped with exhaust flame dampers,
augmented instrumentatio n, and a two-way radio for night fl ying. This variant was also fitted
with two small searc hlights mounted beneath the lower w ing. An a irstream-driven generator,
mounted on the upper wing center section, powered the lights.
A total of 1768 CR 42 Falcos were produced for the Regia Aero11alllica between February of
J 939 and June of 1943. The vast majority of the Fa lcos manufactured were of the CR 42 day
tighter version.
 ~
I
11-
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1_ _ _ _ _11-1
I
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I
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I
1-1
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FIAT CR 42 Falco Specifications

Wingspan......•............31 feet 9.88 inches (9.7 M)
Length................•.•....•.27 feet 1.67 inches (8.27 M)
Height.........................11 feet 9.33 Inches (3.59 M)
Empty Weight... ..........3929 pounds (1782 KG)
Maximum Weight. ......5059 pounds (2295 KG)
Powerplant... ..............One 846 HP FIAT A.74 R.C. 38 twin-row,
14-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine
Armament. .................Two .50 calibre (12.7 MM) Breda-SAFAT
machine guns with 400 rounds per gun
Maximum Speed........267 MPH (430 KMH) at 16,405 feet (5000 M)
Service Ceiling..........33,465 feet (10,200 M)
Range.........................481 miles (775 KM) at 236 MPH (380 KMH)
at 18,045 feet (5500 M)

':---------:
'---------:
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30
A carburetor sand filter was installed under the engine cowling of a CR 42AS (Africa Armorers lift a 220.5 lb (100 KG) bomb up to the starboard bomb rack of a CR 42AS
Settentrionale; North Africa) for operations in North Africa. A smoke dispenser fitted assigned to 164' Squadriglia, 161 ° Gruppo Autonomo in the Mediterranean. The lower
under the lower wing allowed pilots to lay down smoke to cover friendly troop move- main landing gear fairings were often removed from ground attack Falcos to facilitate
ments. (Punka) maintenance. Oil cooler intakes were located in both wing roots. (Punka)
A CR 42AS is prepared for a ground attack mission In North Africa in 1941. The wheel fair-
CR 42 Landing Gear with ings have been removed and a 220.5 lb bomb is mounted on the starboard bomb rack. The
CR 42AS Dust Filter Fairings Removed aircraft is camouflaged in dark green and dark brown with light gray undersurfaces.
(Punka)

Landing Gear Fairings

Removed
Capitano (Captain) Corrado Ricci boards his CR 42CN (Caccia Notturna; Night
Fighter) Capt Ricci poses with fellow pilots by the cowling of his CR 42CN at Ciamplno
(M.M. 7584) assigned to 300' Squadrigl la, 167" Gruppo Autonomo at Ciamplno on the out-
airfield near skirts of Rome. The Inscription on the cowling reads "// /a notte p/u non posso
Rome in 1942. A searchligh t was carried under each wing of these night fighters. dorm/re"
CR (" I can' t sleep tonight"). The small blisters on the cowling provided clearance
42CNs of the 167th Independe nt Group were tasked with defending Rome and for the
Naples. engine rocker arm covers. Ricci served as command ing officer of 167" Gruppo
(LUCE) Autonomo
during 1942. (LUCE)
Two CR 42CNs of 300' Squadrlgl la prepare to depart Clampino airfield on a night
intercept
mission In 1942. A generator mounted on the upper wing center section provided
electri-
cal power for the underwing searchligh ts. The undersurf ace of the upper wing
is painted CR 42CN Flame Damper
black, while that of the lower wing remains light gray. (LUCE)

Exhaust Flame
Damper (Both Sides)
CMASA ICR 42
The concepl of a seaplane version of the CR 42 was studied by FIAT at the end of 1938. The
ICR 42 or CR 42 Jdro (Sea) was a twin-float catapult fighter employing local structural
strengthening for the catapult and hoist points. Construction of the 'Idro' was entrusted to
FIAT'S subsidiary, CMASA (Costruzioni Meccaniche Aeronautiche S.A.) at Marina di Pisa.
Two JCR 42 prototypes were completed by CMASA in 1940. Apan from the duralumin floats
and the catapult and hoist point strengthening, the structure of the JCR 42 was identical to the
standard CR 42. The tloatplane retained the CR 42·s two 12.7MM Breda-SAFAT machine
guns.
Following completion of float trials at Marina di Pisa, one of the prototypes was sent to Vigna
di Valle during 1941 for official flight tests. The ICR 42 reached a maximum speed of 258.5
mph (4 16 KMH), and climbed to 13.120 feet (3999 M) in 6 mi nutes 45 seconds. The Ministero
dell' Aero11autica (11aliau Air Ministry) ordered 40 ICR 42s, however the catapult fighter con-
cept was soon regarded as outdated. This led to cancellation of the order, and no funher ICR
42s were built.

FIAT CR 42D8
In an effort to improve performance, FIAT installed a Daimler-Benz 08601 E engine in a CR
During September 1939 the Direzione Generate Costruzioni proposed a CR 42 powered by 42. This installation required an extended forward fuselage to accommodate the inllne
a liquid-cooled, 10 IO hp Daimler-Benz DB601E in-line engine replacing the standard FIAT A engine, with a radiator placed under the nose. The sole CR 4208 prototype (M.M. 469) flew
74 air-cooled radial. This proposal resulted in the CR 42DB, which featured a redesigned for- during 1941. The Italian Air Ministry realized that the day of the biplane fighter was over
and cancelled production of the CR 4208. (Punka)
ward and lower fuselage for the engine and cooling system. The engine mounting consisted of
longitudinal supports connected with steel tubing. The DB 60 I E turned an Alfa Romeo three- An overall silver CR 428 trainer is parked near a hangar near Milan, Italy In the late 1940s.
bladed propeller with electrically adjustable pitch. A two-way radio was installed for the The black code Z-1 ahead of the Italian roundel refers to the First Zona Territoriale
pilot's use. The German DB 601 E engine was to have been produced under license by Alfa (Territorial Zone), which included MIian. The CR 428 fuselage was lengthened by 12.6
Romeo under the designation RA 1000. Inches (320 MM) to accommodate a second cockpit for the instructor. (Punka)
The CR 42DB prototype (M.M. 469) began fligh t testing with Comandante Cus at the con-
trols in March of 1941. The aircraft attained a level speed of 322 mph (5J 8.2 kmh) and climbed
to 19,680 feet (5998.5 M) in seven minutes during tests that summer. The CR 42DB was pro-
posed for series production in the assault role; however, the Ministero dell' Aero1u1111ica came
to accept that the day of lhe biplane fighter was over and cancelled the CR 42DB after the pro-
totype was built.

FIAT CR 428
During 1943 a number of CR 42s were modified into two-seat, dual control trainers. A longer
engine mounting and aft fuselage resulted in a fuselage length increase of 12.6 inches (320MM)
over the CR 42's fuselage. An instructor's cockpit with duplicate flight controls was added
behind the regu lar CR 42 cockpit, which was used by the student. The two 12.7MM Breda-
SAFAT machine guns with 300 rounds per gun were retained. Several CR 42B (Biposto; two-
seat) trainers served with the Aeronawica Militare (post-war Italian Air Force) until 1950.
The CR 42 in World War Two remaining CR 42s returning to their base from the Harwich raid. One of the C R 42s lost was
M .M . 570 I, flown by Sgt Pietro Salvadori of 95• Squadriglia. Salvadori made a forced land-
Over 300 RAT C R 42s equipped nine Regia Aero11a111ica Gruppi (Groups) when Italy ing on a beach on Suffolk. H is aircraft was repaired and flown by the Royal Air Force (RAF)
entered World War Two on IO June 1940. The new tighter made its operational debut during for tests. This aircraft now res ides in the Baille of Britain Museum at RAF Hendon.
rhe 14-day Italian campaign in southern France. CR 42s of 23' and /5/ • Gruppi escorted FIAT A tighter sweep by 29 CR 42s was made against Margate and Folkestone on 23 November.
BR 20 bombers attacking the French air bases of Hyeres and Fayence on 13 June. The Italian T wo more CR 42s were lost on that mission. On 3 January 194 1 Corpo Aereo Italiano ended
fighters damaged 20 French aircraft on the ground and destroyed one fighter in the air with no their operations against Britain. and 18' Gruppo was recalled 10 Ital y.
losses 10 themselves. Two days later, CR 42s shot dow n three Bloch 152 and five Dewoitine Regia Aeronalllica CR 42s next saw ac tion in October of 1940 supporting the Italian cam-
D 520 lighters over the Cote d' Azur (the Blue Coast in sout hern France). The Italians lost live paign against Greece. Five CR 42s assigned 10 /60' Gruppo A11101101110 ( 160th Independent
fighters and one bomber in this engagement. The Italian lighters continued 10 fly escort mis- Group) in Albania were joined by the 46 CR 42s of 150' Gruppo in early November. The first
sions until the Fre nch surrender on 24 June. air victory in the halo-Greek Conflict went to a C R 42 on 28 October. Te11e111e (Lieutenant)
During October 1940 Italy deployed the Co17JO Aereo Italiano (CAI; Italian Air Corps) 10 Mario Gaetano Garancini of 393• Squadrig/ia, 160' Gruppo A111011omo shot down a Greek
BeJgium in support of the Luftwaffe's attacks on Great Britain. The CAl's fighter component Henschel He 126 reconnaissance aircraft east of Darda. In an effort to support the Greeks, the
cons i~ted o f 18" Gruppo, equipped with CR 42s. and 20° Gmppo, equipped with FrAT G 50s. British deployed G ladiator fighters and Blenheim bombers 10 Greece during early November.
The 50 C R 42s of 18 " Gruppo, filled with cockpit armor. deployed 10 Maldegen on 19 October. On 4 November CR 42s intercepted three Blenheims over Valona. Despite the Italian's claim
The crews were instructed about the operational sector. weather conditions, air traffic, and of o ne bomber shot down, all three Blenheim aircraft returned 10 their base at Eleusis. During
British tactics. On 29 October the first CAJ combat mission was flown, with 39 CR 42s escort- four days of combat with Greek air units between 14 and 18 November. CR 42s downed three
ing 15 BR 20 bombers sent 10 auack Ramsgate. All aircraft returned safely 10 Belgium fol- Blenheirns, one Fairey Battle lig ht bomber. and six PZL P.24 lighters without loss. The moun-
lowing the a11ack. tainous terrain and adverse weather grounded the Italian aircraft for 82 out of 176 days of oper-
On 11 November an Ita lian formation - 10 BR 20s escorted by 40 CR 42s - bound for ations.
Harwich was intercepted by 30 RAF Hawke r Hurricanes. The British shot down five bombers CR 42s stationed on the Aegean Islands flew alongside Luftwaffe uni L5 during the invasion
and three fighters with no losses, although the Ita lians did claim nine Hurricanes destroyed and of Cre1e in May of 1941. Fighters assigned to 163• and 164• Squadriglie o f /61 ' Gruppo escort-
four more probably destroyed. Fue l shortages and bad weather resulted in o nly 18 of the ed German Ju 87s a11acking Hcraklion airfield on Crete and then strafed British forces on the
CR 42s of 18' Gruppo flew bomber escort missions against Great Britain while part of the
Corpo Aereo Italiano (Italian Ai r Corps) from October of 1940 to early January of 1941 . This
Capitano Luigi Gorrinl flies his 89 Squadriglla CR 42 over Belgium during the Battle of
CR 42 assigned to 85" Squadrlglla Caccia Terrestre taxies at Maldegen, Belgium In late Britain in late 1940. Gorrinl shot down 24 Allied aircraft and was awarded the Medaglla
1940. The aircraft's cowling is painted yellow, with the fuselage codes in yellow with black d'Oro al Va/or Militare (Gold Medal of Military Valor) during World War Two. The CR 42s of
shadow. (LUCE)
18" Gruppo operated In Belgium from October of 1940 until January of 1941. (Gorrlnl)
island. Other /6/ • Gruppo CR 42s bombed Hierapetra harbor and Heraklion with pairs of and 42 more followed the next mo nth to provide a reserve. Among the fighter pilots assigned
110.2 lb (50 KG) and 220.5 lb ( 100 KG) bombs. CR 42s assigDed to /6()' Squadriglia based at to Coma11do dell' Aero11autica de/la libia (Air Command in Libya) was Maggiore (Major)
Karpathos were fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks to increase their range. These fighters provid- Ernesto Botto, a Spanish Civil War air ace with five kills. Botto had lost a leg during the con-
ed air cover for Italian naval forces interdicting British troop movements between Egypt and flict, which resulted in his nickname Gamba di Ferro (]ron Leg). Two other Spanish Civil War
Greece. aces in Libya were Maggiore Carlo Romagnoli and Capitano (Captain) Franco Lucchini. with
At the beginning of World War Two, Regia Aeronautica fighter units in Italian East Africa nine and five kilJs, respectively.
(Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Italian Somaliland) included the CR 42-equipped 412• and 4/3• The only fighters opposing the C R 42s were the Royal Air Force's Gloster Gladiators. The
Squadriglia. Maintenance for the 36 Falcos on strength declined over the course of the conflict Gladiator's 252.9 mph (407 KMH) maximum speed was inadequate to intercept Savoia
due to spare parts shortages, which led to the cannibalization of some aircraft. Replacement CR Marchetti SM 79 bombers attacking British positions in Egypt.
42s had to be disassembled and airlifted to East Africa aboard Savoia Marchetti SM 82 trans- The Falcos first drew blood in North Africa near El Adem on I. I June 1940. Three CR 42s
ports overflying southern Egypt and northern Sudan. SM 82s delivered 51 CR 42s and spare engaged six Gladiators escorting Blenheims attacking Italian positions. One Gladiator was shot
parts between August of l 940 and April of 1.94 I. down in the brief engagement. The next day CR 42s intercepted Blenheims over Tobruk,
By the spring of 1941 the Allied offensive in Ethiopia was essentially completed and the claiming two bombers destroyed.
Italians were down to their last base at Gondar. The two remaining CR 42s based at Gondar During the three-month period leading up to the stan of the Italian offensive in Egypt on I .I
claimed to have shot down Wellington bombers on 2 and 9 July. Both CR 42s were destroyed September, CR 42 pilots shot down 17 British aircraft for a loss of 36 Falcos. The CR 42s pri-
ill November of 1941 - the month all Italian resistance in Ethiopia ended. One CR 42 was lost marily tlew air defense of Regia Aeronaurica bases in the Libyan province of Cyrenaica, com-
on the ground. while the other was lost on a mission in which the pilot expended all of the bat air patrols, and strafing of British armor fonnations. During the Italian offensive - 11
remaining ammunition. September through 9 December - the CR 42s downed I I RAF aircraft for the loss of 13 of
their own.
The CR 42 in North Africa On 9 November the British launched their counteroffensive in the Western D esen .
Hurricanes were now avaiJable to RAF squadrons in Egypt and these monoplanes, equipped
The beginning of the war in North Africa in June 1940 saw two Gruppi in Libya (/0" and with eight .303 caliber (7.7MM) machine guns, soon made their presence felt. The four Italian
J3j equipped with 52 CR 42s. These groups were joined by 9 ° Gruppo with 33 Falcos in July, Gruppi had 111 serviceable CR 42s on that day. CR 42 serviceabiJity, however, dramatically
CR 42s were deployed to North Africa in June of 1940. This aircraft was assigned to 7"7' CR 42s were deployed to southern Italy and Sicily to support Axis operations against
Squadriglia, 13 • Gruppo, 2 · Stormo. The code 77•1 on the fuselage is in red. The aircraft is Malta - a lone British bastion in the Mediterranean Sea. A Regia Aeronautics pilot stands
camouflaged with sand and dark green uppersurfaces and light gray undersurfaces. The beside a 70' Squadriglia CR 42 at Palermo, Sicily in late 1940. The pilot's parachute pack
propeller blades remain in natural metal. A black heart Is painted on a white disc on the is placed on the port lower wing. The unusually wide white rudder cross extends forward
landing gear housing. (Punka) to the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer. (Bundesarchiv)
 fell over the course of the British offensive. British and Austral ia n fighters claimed I I CR 42s
shot down on 9 November. The Italians destroyed an add itional 18 CR 42s on the ground dur-
ing the first three days of the o ffensive when British forces overran the ir airfie lds. The losses
continued while the Italians were pushed out of their footho ld in Egypt and dri ven back
through Cyrenaica.
By February of 194 1 the Italian s had only 44 serviceable CR 42s among the 6ve groups in
Libya. T he Falcos had flown I I,286 hours of combat between June of l940 and February o f
1941. Falco piJots shot down 157 Allied aircraft while losing 78 CR42s. Early 194 1 saw 9 "
Gruppo relieved by 23° Gruppo, and 10 ' Gruppo replaced by / 8° Grnppo. Additionally, 11
January 1941 brought the arriva.1 of the German Af rika Ko,ps in Libya. The Afrika Korps
included a Luftwaffe component equipped with Messerschm itt Bf 109 fighters.
CR 42s were employed in close support missions during the fi rst German offensive in North
Africa in March of 194 1. The Ita lians had 56 serviceable Falcos when the offensive began,
however, their number was reduced to 28 by the end of the banle.
The arri val of more modem Italian fighters in North Africa, inc luding the Macchi MC 200
and MC 202, saw the C R 42s modified into fighte r-bombers. Sand filters and underwing bomb
racks were fitted to these Falcos for this ro le. The CR 42s flew several close support mfasions
and used their low-altitude maneuverability to compensate for the aircraft's vulnerability to
ground fire. The first 14 CR 42AS fighter-bo mbers arrived in Libya in May 1941. These air-
craft equipped 376• Squadrig/ia Allfonomo d ' Assa/to (276th Independent Assault Squadron).
CR 42 Falcos assigned to 9 • Gruppo, 4 • Stormo fly a combat air patrol over Libya during
1940. These aircraft display the 4 • Stormo's emblem - a white horse on a black shield - Only three Regia Aeronawica CR 42 units were operating in North Africa by the end of 194 1.
on the aft fuselage. Some aircraft also display the Gamba di Ferro (Iron Leg) insignia of These units were J " Gruppo with 236• Squadriglia at Ara dei FiJeui, and 160" Gruppo at
9'1" Squadriglla on the tail. Maj Ernesto Botto, the 97th commander, lost a leg flying in the Sorman. The latter group's e ight fighters were destroyed at Agedabia airfie ld when attacked by
Spanish Civil War. (Roberto Fossi) the British on 2 1 December.
Seven CR42 Gruppi Assa/to (Assault Groups) were fom1ed in North Africa between May
Ground crewman assist a taxiing CR 42 of 9 • Gruppo in North Africa in 1940. The Falco and August of 1942. These units provided close air support for Axis forces advancing through
had white upper wing tips and a black X under the lower left wing as identification mea- Egypt. The British halted the German and Italian advance at El Alamein in July of 1942. On
sures. The Group deployed to Libya during July 1940 to join two other CR 42 units - 10· 23 October the British launched a major attack at El Alamein which began the long Axis retreat
and 13• Gruppi - in supporting Italian operations against the British forces in Egypt. (SMA) across No nh Africa. Four days into the battle, 43 CR 42s joined 38 German aircraft in attack-
ing British gun positions. British Spitfires and South African Hurricanes met the Axis forma-
tion over Mumin Busak and El Daba. The Italians lost four CR 42s to Spitfires and one to
Hurricanes, while seven Falcos were damaged in the melee. Three CR 42s were destroyed on
the ground at Agedabia by British aircraft on 14 November. While the Axis forces were being
pushed toward their final stand .in Tunisia, the last 82 CR 42s in North Africa were rerurned to
Italy between 7 and 19 January 1943. German and llalian forces remaining in North Africa sur-
rendered on 12 May 1943 .

Night Fighting

The Regia Aeronamica lacked adequate night fighter aircraft to de fend Italy's cities from
bomber attacks. Some CR 42 aircraft were modified for this role with engine exhaust flame
dampers. underwiag searchlights, and additional instrume nts for the pilot. These aircra ft were
redesignated CR 42CNs. Night fighter flig hts of three or four aircraft were established to
defend Turin, Milan, and Rome during the summer of l940.
A Caccia Nouurna (Night Fighter) night o f three CR 42CNs was formed within 51 • Ston no
at Ciampino on 12 June 1940. A second flight was soon formed under the 356" Squadriglia at
Naples. MaresciaJJo Patriarca, a piJm of the laner unit, claimed a Royal Air Force Vickers

36
Wellington (serial number R I066) in combat some months later.
The Regia Aero11a111ica fonned 20 night fighter flights, consisting of three CR 42CNs per
flight, by 15 May 194 1. The aircraft were painted with dark camouflage colors 10 reduce visi-
bility in the night skies.
During the first half of 194 1. the RAF launched 2 1 night raids on Milan, Turin, and Genoa
for a loss of ten aircraft. Among those losses was an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley downed
near Turin by Capt Giorgio Graffer, the commander of the 356• Squadriglia night lighter flight.
The RAF began sending larger Handley Page Halifax and Shorts Stirling bombers against tar-
gets in Italy in September of 194 1.
The Italians increased the size of their night fighter units in response to the increased British
attacks. 17I" Gruppo Awonomo Caccia Nolturna (17 Ist Lndependent Night Fighter Group)
was formed under Maggiore Giovanni Buffa on I October 1941. T he group, composed of 301"
and 302' Squadriglie, was based at Gela. Delivery of five new CR 42CNs allowed the activa-
tion of 301• under Capiwno Carlo Mfani on 25 October. The squadron was later increased to
17 aircraft, however, only three were equipped for night flying. On I8 December I941 /7/'
Gruppo was disbanded. although 302• Sq11adriglia was reformed as a night fi ghter and harass-
ment unit operating against Malta.
A new night fighter unit, 167° Gruppo A11101101110 Caccia Not111ma. was established al
Ciampino to defend Rome and Naples in I942. The Group, commanded by Capitano Corrado
Ricci, consisted of 300• and 303• Squadriglie and was equipped with four CR 42CNs and 12
Caproni F 5s. Within a year, the CR 42CNs were replaced by Reggiane RE 2001, A 412' Squadrlg/la CR 42 is parked next to a CR 32 at Gura, Eritrea during the 194041 peri-
Messerschmitt Bf 110s, and Dornier Do 217Js. od. Both FIAT biplane fighters fought side-by-side against the British and Commonwealth
forces in llalian East Africa until Italian resistance ended in November of 1941. During that
time, Italian aircraft in East Africa displayed a black diagonal cross against a white back-
Over Malta ground on the fuselage. (SMA)
This 387' Squadriglla CR 42 assigned was in maintenance when British troops overran El
The small Mediterranean is land of Malta held great strategic importance for both the Allies Adem Airfield, Libya in November of 1940. A crude British roundel of red (center), white,
and the Axis during World War Two. Malta. a major base for the British Medite rranean Fleet. and blue was hastily painted on the white fuselage stripe. Cowling panels covering the
was situated along the main north-south route between Ita ly and North Africa and the east-west engine rocker arms were re moved for servicing and placed next to the landing gear.
route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. (Hofllng)
On 11 June 1940 the banle for Malta began with 17 CR 42s of /57' Gruppo, I' S1or1110 sta-
tioned at Trapani, Sic ily. A further 11 Falcos assig ned to 163• Squadriglic, A111011omo. 3 "
Gruppo Awonomo at Maritza were available. along with the 53 C R 32s of bod1 S1or111i. Early
in the battle 9' Gruppo brought their CR 42s 10 the area before being redeployed 10 Libya on
12 July.
Nine CR 42s of 9 " Grnppo shot down a Hurricane over Malta during the morning of 3 July.
The following day, CR 42 pilots c laimed seven fighters and one bomber destr oyed on the
ground at Hal Far. In reality. only two Swordfish torpedo bombers were slightly damaged in
the raid. The departure of 9" Gruppo for Libya was balanced by the deployment of 23' Gruppo
AU/01101110 to Palermo, S ic ily . On 1.2 July, both 23' and /57' Gmppi attacked M alta for the.first
time. In addition to their attack missions, the Falcos escorted Axis bombers, rescue, and recon-
naissance aircraft in the vicinity of Malta. On 11 December 1940, CR 42 pilots of 23" Gruppo
downed a Blenheim and two We llingtoos in separate auacks. The departure of most of 23'
Gruppo for North Africa in December left a small force of CR 42s at Palermo. This force
evolved into J56' Gruppo in April ofl94 1.
During December of 1940, unit redeployments to North Africa and Italy left two groups -
7" and 16' - 10 operate mixed formations, including C R 42s, against A llied troop concentra-
tions and ships. During th.is time, Reggiane Re 2001 and Macchi C 202 aircraft assumed the
fighter role in the Malta Campaign.
A 110.2 lb (50 KG) bomb Is mounted under the starboard wing of this 38-,.
Squadriglia CR 42AS In Libya in late 1942. The 'Diving Duck' insignia of 1ss·
Gruppo- this squadron' s parent unit- is painted on the tail. Falco pilots exploit-
ed the CR 42' s low-altitude maneuverability to reduce their vulnerability to
enemy anti-aircraft fire. (SMA)

CR 42AS Underwing Bomb Rack

Italian ground crewmen pump fuel Into a CR 42AS assigned to 38-,. Squadriglia,
158. Gruppo in Libya. The two fuel tanks inside the aircraft' s forward fuselage
could hold 121.5 gallons (460 L) of aviation gasoline. The aircraft is fitted with a
sand filter beneath the engine cowling. Sand filters, designed specifically for
North African operations, helped to increase engine life In the hot, dusty cli·
mate. (SMA)
(Above) Three 20' Squadriglia CR 42AS
aircraft prepare to take off from an airfield
In Libya In the fall of 1942. The aircraft
uppersurfaces are camouflaged in dark
green and dark brown. White
Mediterranean theater bands appear on
the aft fuselage. The squadron code on
the aft fuselage is painted light gray with
the individual aircraft number in red. This
squadron was assigned to 46' Gruppo
Assa/to, 15• Stormo. (LUCE)

(Right) Two CR 42AS aircraft assigned to

15" Stormo Assa/to (15th Assault Wing)
fly above the Western Desert, while sup-
porting Axis forces during the fall of
1942. The wing insignia is placed on the
lead aircraft's tail. The lead aircraft's tac-
tical number (15) is in white, and part of
the propeller spinner is painted white for
identification purposes. Unusually, the
white fuselage band does not continue
on the aircraft's undersurfaces. (Punka)
 This CR 42 was assigned to 385
Squadrig lla, 157° Gruppo, 1· Stormo al
Trapani airfield, Sicily and used in opera•
tions against Malta during late 1940. The
cylinder beside the aircraft supplied corn•
pressed air for the CR 42's air tank, locat•
ed behind the pilot's seat. Compres sed
air was employe d on the Falco's brake
system. This CR 42 was flown by 157'
Gruppo's comman der, Maggiore (Major)
Guido Nobill. The aircraft displays a white
lightning bolt on the fuselage. (SMA)

Nobili 's Insignia

Ground crewmen push a CR 42CN to its dispersa l point at Palermo-

Bocca di Falco, Sicily triangle. A red numeral 2 appears on the white band. The CR 42CN
in the summer of 1942. The emblem of 377" Squadrig lla Autonom o is finished In dark
is painted In front of green and dark gray on the uppersur faces with light gray undersur faces.
the white fuselage band, which does not go around the fuselage By this stage of
top. The squadron the war, the CR 42 was largely obsolete . A Reggiane Re. 2001 fighter
Insignia features an owl holding a broom and sitting on a crescent and two other CR 42s
moon within a yellow are parked In the backgrou nd. (SMA)
The pilot warms up a 377' Squadriglia Autonomo CR 42CN at Palermo-Bocca di Falco dur- A canvas cover keeps the snow out of this CR 42' s cockpit during the winter of 1942-43.
ing the summer of 1942. This aircraft's underwing searchlights have been removed to This Falco was modified for night attack missions with an exhaust flame damper installed
enable the CR 42 to perform day fighter and fighter-bomber missions. (SMA) under the fuselage. Italian national insignia are not painted on the upper wings of this air-
craft. Uppersurfaces were camouflaged in dark green and medium green. (SMA)
A mixture of CR 42 aircraft are parked on the island of Pantelleria - located between Sicily
and Tunisia - in 1942. The CR 42CN in the foreground is equipped with an exhaust flame Armorers install a 110.2 lb (50 KG) bomb to the port wing bomb rack of a CR 42. Two lugs
damper running under the fuselage to prevent visual detection at night by enemy aircraft secure the bomb to the rack. Sway braces on the bomb rack keep the bomb from lateral-
and troops. The nearby CR 42AS carries the sand filter mounted under the engine cowl- ly shifting during aircraft maneuvers. The armorers also attach the fuse wire to the bomb.
ing and bomb racks under the wings. (SMA) This wire arms the bomb when the bomb is released from the aircraft. (LUCE)
The fuselage fasces emblem was located under the windshleld on CR 42s. A kick step for
This black CR 42CN Is equipped with a long flame damper. Night fighter Falcos built for
cockpit access Is placed aft of the fasces. Access panels on the forward fuselage near the the Reg/a Aeronautlca employed both long and short dampers. A 220.5 lb bomb is
base of the upper wing struts open to allow servicing of the fuel tanks and ammunition Installed under the starboard wing for night attack duties. The aft fuselage band and let-
bins. The panels were hinged at the top and secured for flight with screws. (Punka)
tering are In white. An MC 200 fighter runs Its engine In the foreground. (Bundesarc hlv)
The British CR 42 (BT474) was restored to partial Italian markings upon completion of the
This 95' Squadrlglla CR 42 (M.M. 5701) force-lande d on the beach near Orfordness, Suffolk
flight test program. The emblem of 1s· Gruppo has been repainted on the fuselage side;
after escor1ing Italian bombers during a raid against England on 11 November 1940. The
however, the wing Insignia have not yet been added. This CR 42 was eventually restored
Royal Air Force repaired th is aircraft, assigning serial number BT474 to the Falco. The
to the complete markings worn during the Battle of Britain and is now on display at the
RAF painted British markings on the CR 42 and test flew this aircraft until 1943. (Hi:ifling)
Battle of Britain Museum at RAF Hendon, England. (Hofling)
The CR 42 in Hungarian Service
The LUH (Legiigyi Hivatal; Hungarian Aviation Department) ordered 18 CR 42s for the
Royal Hungarian Air Force (RHAF) for delivery in June of 1939. Follow-up orders would
bring the total of CR 42s in Hungarian service to 68 aircraft.
Two military pilots and a FIAT pilot flew the first three RHAF CR 42s (Y.20 I - V.203) to
Szombathely on 17 June 1939. Italian pilots ferried the next 15 aircraft (V.204-Y.2 18) to
Hungary. Aircraft Y.206 made a forced landing near Kormend and was sent by train back to
FIAT for repairs. Hungary ordered a second batch of Falcos on 20 November 1939. The first
ten aircraft (Y.2 18-Y.227) arrived during February of 1940, while a second group of ten air-
craft (Y.228-Y.237) reached Hungary in June. Four more CR 42s (Y.265-Y.268) were deliv-
ered on 30 June 1940.
The first RHAF unit to equip with the new CR 42s was /. Vadaszezred ( 1st Fighter
Regiment), which consisted of two osztaly (groups). The groups' two squadrons consisted of
JI/. osztaly at Szolnok and 1//I. osztaly at Matyasfold. The RHAF played a minor role in the
Axis arrack on Yugoslavia during April of 1941. The CR 42s flew many sonies over
Yugoslavia and escorted Hungarian Ju 86 and Ca 135 bombers, but did not make contact with
the Yugoslav Air Force.
On 26 June 194 1 Hungary declared war on the Soviet Union, and immediately formed a spe-
cial Air Force Brigade to operate against the Soviets. Three days later, CR 42s of the 2/3.
'Ricsi' (Ritchie) Squadron intercepted seven Tupolev SB-2 bombers over the east Hungarian
city of Csap (now Chop. Ukraine). The Hungarian pilots shot down three of the Soviet bombers
This Hungarian CR 42 (V-212) nosed over while taxiing on the ground. The aircraft is
sem to attack the town's railroad station. On 27 June, a CR 42 flown by Lt Kazar anacked an
assigned to 1/3. 'Kor Asz' (Ace of Hearts) Fighter Squadron. The aircraft's uppersurfaces
anti-aircraft gun position near Stanislav. Ukraine. Return AA tire damaged the CR 42, forcing are painted in a splinter camouflage pattern of dark green, medium brown, and medium
K.izar to land behind Soviet lines. Kazar was able to successfully evade capture due to the gray. The fuselage code is in black. (Kovacs)
effons of friendly locals and returned to his base a few days later.
CR 42s formed the fighter element of the Hungarian 'Fast Corps' deployed on the Russian The nosed-over CR 42 wears the Hungarian national markings worn from 1 September
Front. During July of 1941 the 213. 'Ricsi' Squadron, equipped with l2 Falcos, was sent to 1938 until 1 March 1942. These consisted of chevrons In green (inside), white, and red
Kolomea. while l/3. 'Kor Asz · (Ace of Hearts) Squadron·s 12 CR 32s arrived at Jezierzany. painted from trailing edge to leading edge. The upper wing span of the Falco was 31 .8 ft
Both squadrons were located near the front line where they could support Axis troops. (9.7 M), while that of the lower wing was 21.3 ft (6.5 M). (Kovacs)
CR 42s of 2/3. Squadron shot down three Soviet bombers and two Soviet fighters over
Stanislav on 12 July. Two Falcos were lost in the engagement, including V-265 flown by Lt
Yamos. After expending his ammunition. Yamos rammed a Soviet fighter and baled out. He
returned safely 10 his unit later that day. On 22 July the Squadron's CR 42s strafed a Soviet
military convoy after escorting a short range reconnaissance aircraft on a mission. Pour Falcos
were damaged by anti-aircraft fire, but all returned to Kolomea. The unit returned to Hungary
soon after this mission.
Lt Pettendy of 1/3. Squadron, a famous sport flyer before the war, was killed in action over
Podviskoie on 5 August. Two days later. 1/3. Squadron relocated to Pervomaisk 10 participate
in the battle of Nikolaiev. The FIAT fighters first mer the fast Po likarpov 1- 16 fighters in this
campaign. The CR 42 and Ca 135 gunners claimed eight f- 16s destroyed between 9 and 12
August. On 26 and 27 August. 1/3. Squadron pilots clai med five kills each day. Ensign Marton
Szonyi, with two victories, became missing in action on 27 August. After four and one-half
months of act ivity 1/3. Squadron returned to Hungary. The unit shot down between 17 and 19
Soviet aircraft in 447 missions, while losing two aircraft and two pilots.
After the 1941 campaign Hungary relegated the now obsolescent CR 42 fighter to training
duties. Twelve Falcos, however, were later modified for the assault role with I02. Assault
Squadron during the late summer of 1944. Underwing bomb racks enabled the CR 42s to carry
four 110.2 lb (50 KG) bombs. The unit never completed training in this role and turned in their
aircraft at Zalahalap in southwest Hungary in November of 1944.
 The Hungarians modified this CR 42 (V-209) to accept a 930 hp Manfred Weiss WMK-14A
engine In 1941. This air-cooled radial engine was a French Gnome-Rhone 14Kfs power-
plant built under license. The WMK-14A also powered the Hungarian-pro duced Reglanne
Re 2000 Heja (Hawk) fighter. (Kovacs)
CR 42 (V-218) was assigned to 1/4. 'Szent Gyorgy' (Saint George) Fighter Squadron of the
Royal Hungarian Air Forc,e on the Russian Front in 1941. The aircraft wears a yellow fuse-
lage band and upper wingtips, and a yellow fuselage code. The squadron emblem Is par-
tially visible under the venturi tube under the cockpit. (Punka)

MKHL (Magyar Kfrafyf Honved Legfero; Royal Hungarian Air Force) armorers feed 12.7MM
machine gun ammunition belt.s Into the port ammunition bin of a CR 42. Each 12.7MM
Breda-SAFAT was provided with a maximum of 400 rounds of ammunition. The wlngroot
oil cooler Intake has been covered on this aircraft during servicing. (Punks)

44
This Great Dane head served as the emblem of the CR 42-equipped 2/3. 'Ricsi' (Richie), A 2/3. Fighter Squadron pilot meets 'Rise/' in the flesh beside a CR 42. A rear view mirror
Fighter Squadron, Royal Hungarian Air Force. The badge appears under the cockpit of air- was mounted on the port upper wing strut as a field modification. This Falco's port wheel
craft V.2+50 when it was assigned to training duties at Borgond airfield during 1943. A fairing is painted white. A yellow band extends around the fuselage just behind the cock-
venturi tube for turn and bank Indicator input is mounted above the emblem. (Punka) pit. The red fuselage code has been overpainted In green to reduce visibility. (Punka)
Patches were applied on the CR 42 (V-206) flown by Capt Laszlo Tomor, commander of After the 1941 campaign Hungary began relegating their obsolescent CR 42s to fighter
1/3. Fighter Squadron on the Russian Front. The squadron' s 'Kor Asz' (Ace of Hearts) training duties. This Falco was assigned to the school at Szombathely in 1944. The revised
insignia Is partially obscured by some of the patches. 1/3.'s pilots downed at least 17 national markings adopted on 1 March 1942- red, white, and green tail striping, and white
Soviet aircraft for the loss of two CR 42s in 1941. (Kovacs) crosses on black squares - have been applied to this aircraft. (Punka)
 The CR 42 in Belgian Service

Belgium became the second export recipient for the FlAT CR 42 in September 1939. FlAT
delivered 30 aircraft lo meet the urgent needs of the 11.eme Groupe de Chasse (U. Fighter
Group) at Nive lles. The group comprised the 3 eme and 4 eme Escadrilles (3rd and 4th
Squadrons) commanded by Major Lamarche. The first 24 CR 42s were delivered to the
Estab/issements Ge11eraux de/' Aero11a111ique Miliraire during January and February of 1940.
The s ix remaining machines were delivered the following month. The two squadrons each
received 15 CR 42s, assigned the serials R-1 lo R-30. The insignia of 11.eme Groupe de Chasse
was the cocorre (paper duck), white for 3/11. and red for 4/JT.
Germany launched its attack on Belgium during the early morning hours of 10 May 1940.
3/fl. Escadrille had 15 CR 42s in service. whi le 4111. Escadrille had eight available aircraft. The
aircraft were being moved from Nivelles to Brusthem airfield near the German border when
the Luftwaffe struck. The Belgians lost one CR 42 to a crash landing and another while inter-
cepting Don1ier Do 17 bombers. Ju 87 Sluka attacks destroyed an additional 15 Falcos on the
ground. The group redeployed to Nieuwcrke and shot down li ve confirmed aircraft over the
next 18 days. Luftwaffe fighters shot down one Falco on 16 May. Be lgian personnel sabotage
the remaining fi ve aircraft after su rrendering to Germany on 28 May l940.
(Above) This FIAT CR 42 was assigned to 4 eme Escadrille, 11.eme Groupe de Chasse (4th (Below) CR 42 (White 21) was assigned to 4 eme Escadrille 'Cocotte Blanche' at the time
Squadron, 2nd Fighter Group) of the Belgian Air Force in early 1940. The squadron's of the German invasion. The propeller spinner is silver and the black serial R-21 is dis•
'Cocotte Blanche' (White Paper Duck) emblem is painted ahead of the roundel on the aft played across the undersurface of the lower wings. The Belgian CR 42s were based at
fuselage. The tactical number on the rudder and the type designator under the horizontal Nivelles and were In the process of transferring to Brusthem when Luftwaffe aircraft
stabilizer are in white. (Brussels Air Museum via Marton) struck on 10 May 1940. (Brussels Air Museum via Marton)
The CR 42 in Swedish Service
Sweden's Flygvapen (Air Force) placed the third and largest export order for the FIAT CR
42. Between February of 1940 and September of 194 1. the Swedish received 72 Falcos from
Italy. Sweden turned to Italy for military equipmet1t after the United States embargoed military
exports to Sweden. The tirst 12 machines were flown to Sweden during February and March
of 1940. The 60 remaining aircraft were crated and delivered to the Malmslatt Aircraft Depot
for assembly between 20 December 1940 and 11 June 194 1. The last three C R 42s were deliv-
ered to the units on 3 September 1941. The Flygvapen designated the CR 42 the J 11 and
assigned the aircraft to the four squadrons of F/yg/1oailj (Wing) 9 at Save, near Goteborg.
The CR 42s participated in annual military maneuvers in February of 194 1. Some problems
occurred with the aircraft, primarily due to the C R 42 not being designed to fly in Scandinavian
weather conditions. Nevertheless, the aircraft's overall performance. compared to other fight-
ers in Swedish service, made the J 11 popular among Flygvapen pilots.
After the fal l of 1943 the 40 CR 42s remaining in service were consolidated into two
squadrons. The Flygvapen retired the J 11 from service during March of 1945. Svensk
Flygtjanst AB acquired 13 CR 42s for conversion into civil-registered target tugs. The firm also
purchased an additional six Falcos to be cannibalized for spare parts.

(Below) Cadet Svante Nordquist flies a pristine J 11 (2543) assigned to Kungliga Gota (Above) The Flygvapen (Swedish Air Force) assigned the designation J 11 to their CR 42s.
Flygflottllj F9 at Save In 1940. Swedish CR 42s retained the Italian camouflage scheme of J 11 (2541 ) was assigned to the 1st division (squadron) of Flygflottilj (Air Wing) 9 at Save.
dark green and yellow ochre uppersurfaces and light gray undersurfaces. The 9 beside Swedish roundels - three gold crowns on a light blue circle trimmed in gold - were paint-
the fuselage roundel Indicating the wing is in black, while the individual aircraft number ed on the undersurface of the upper wings. The J 11 served until March of 1945 and was
(11) on the engine cowling and vertical tail Is painted white. (Schmidt via Mujzer) well liked by its pilots. (Ht>fling)

47
The CR 42 in German Service
The Luftwaffe considered the FIAT CR 42 a suit~ble aircraft for night harassmen t and
anti-
panisan roles. This resulted in the German Riisu111gs-1111d-Kriegsprod11ktio11 Stab (Armamen
ts
and War Production Staff) ordering 200 CR 42LW aircraft from FIAT for German
service.
The Staff took control of Jtaly's aircraft industry after the Jtalian armistice of 8 September
1943. The CR 42LW was equipped with exhaust flame damper and underwing bomb
racks
for four I 10.2 lb (50 KG) bombs. An American air raid on the FIAT factory in T urin destroyed
several completed and semi-comp leted aircraft on the production line. This attack resulted
in
the completion of only 150 CR 42LW . with the Luftwaffe accepting I 12 of those into
service.
The first CR 42LW wa delivered to 1. Staffel (Squadron ) of Nacl11scl,/achtgruppe
(NSGr.:
Night Attack Group) 9 at Udine, Italy in November of 1943. This squadron was previous
ly
equipped with Caproni Ca 3 14 light bombers for use against partisan forces in the Alps.
!stria.
and Croatia. The Germans found the twin-engined Ca 314s unsuitable for this role.
On 28 January 1944 2. Staffel of NSGr. 9 was formed and the group began operating
from
Bolscna in the Nettumo area and against Anglo-A merican forces around Monte Cassino.
In
February of 1944, nine additiional aircraft under Ha11pt111a1111 (Captain) Rupen Frost flew
from
Centrocelle. near Rome. On 30 April. five CR 42LWs were destroyed on the ground
by
American P-47 Thunderbo lts attacking Rieti airfield. Shonly thereafter, /. Swffel
was re-
equipped with Junkers Ju 870 Stukas, which could carry heavier bomb loads than the
Falcos.
CR 42s remained in 2. Staffel service until June of 1944.
This Luftwaffe CR 42AS taxis at Its base near Strasbour g, France on 28 October
The C R 42LW equipped the newly formed third squadron of Nachtschlacl11gmppe 1943. A
7 at red tactical number 86 is painted on the yellow aft fuselage band. The aircraft
Zagreb, Croatia in April of 1944. The group's other two squadrons operated a mix of is painted
e lderly dark green over light gray, using Italian colors. The main landing gear fairings
Heinke) He 46, Henschel Hs 126. and Dornier Do 17 aircraft on anti-panisa n duties were
in the removed to facilitate operations from muddy airfields. (Petrick)

CR 42 (Red 83) was employed in the night harassme nt role by Nachtschl achtgrupp
e (Night Balkans. By September. 2. Staffel wa transferred to Pleso. Croatia and began operati ng
Attack Group) 20 at Strasbour g, France. The aircraft is parked on metal netting 26 CR
used on 42LWs alongside 3. Staffel already deployed there. The FIAT aircraft later equipped 1.
German forward airfields to prevent rutting of the dirt runways and dispersal areas. Staffel.
A cart
containing two compress ed air bottles Is parked beside the CR 42' s tail. (Petrick) ba ed at Graz, Austria. On 8 February 1945. NSGr. 7 lost three C R 42LWs to Allied
fighters
and a fourth to anti-aircraft fire.
When World War Two ended in Europe, over 20 CR 42LWs remained with NSGr.
7's
Gmppe11stab (Group Staff) and 2. and J. Staffe/11 based at Zagreb-Goriza. The first squadron
remained al Graz.

CR 42LW Flame Dampe r

This Luftwaffe CR 42AS (M.M. 90823) crash landed at Andelfingen, Switzerland on 14 The nosed over CR 42AS (M.M. 90823) reveals the damage caused by the crash landing at
February 1944. Swiss authorities interned the German pilot of this aircraft. German mark- Andelfingen. Despite the loss of the tail, the wings and their Warren Truss support struc-
ings were applied over the Italian camouflage of Falcos seized by the Luftwaffe after the ture are remarkably intact. German crosses were painted over the Italian roundels on the
Italian armistice of 8 September 1943. (Stapfer) upper wings, however, the black rings of the former markings surround the crosses. The
aircraft is painted Italian dark green over Italian light gray. (Stapfer)
German CR 42s are prepared for a night harassment mission. The swastikas normally CR 42LW (Werke NummedConstruction Number 9161) leads a row of three aircraft at a
painted on the tails of Luftwaffe aircraft were not painted on these CR 42s. Landing gear Luftwaffe Nachtschlachtgruppe base. Tactical number 88 is in red on the yellow fuselage
fairings were removed to facilitate operations from muddy forward airfields. Individual air- band. The tail swastika of this CR 42LW is unusually small for an aircraft this size.
craft numbers are in red on the yellow aft fuselage band. (Petrick) Germany accepted 112 CR 42LWs produced by FIAT in 1943. (Petrick)
The Royal Hungarian Air Force's 1/2. Vadaszszazad 'Ludas Matyi' (Mattl the Goose Boy Fighter Squadron)
operated the CR 32 from Felsoabrany, Hungary during the summer of 1941. , (
/

CR 42 (162-4) was assigned to 162a Squadrlglls, 161' Gruppo at Rhodes In the Dodecanese Islands In 1940.
Falcos from this group supported the German Invasion of Crete during May of 1941.
ISBN 0 - 89 747- 411 -2

I II 90000
>

9'8089' .Ls 11