The Fiat CR.42 Falco

The Falco was the last of its kind (bi-plane fighter) to be designed, built and flown operationaly. Some countries and companies still believed firmly in the biplane concept, and were awakened rather rudely by much more powerfull and nimble enemy aircraft. The CR.42 Falco was such a victim. The fact that the CR.42 was even considered to be a match in upcoming battles was the fact that many pilots were convinced that the agile biplane had some operational advantages over even the most maneuverable of monoplane fighters. But even in the Italian airforce there were contradictions,since the Fiat G.50 Freccia monowing had entered service 2 months before the CR.42 Falco

Versions:

• Fiat CR.42AS Falco
• Other Fiat CR.42 Falco versions
• Fiat J.11 versions

Further pictures:

The Fiat CR.42 Falco

Technical data on the Fiat CR.42AS Falco

Powerplant	1 × Fiat A.74 R1C.38 radial, rated at 840 hp (626.21 kW)		Role during war	Fighter Fighter-bomber Night-Fighter
Length	27 ft 1.6 inch		Height	11 ft 9.33 inch
Empty weight	3763 lb		Operational weight	5070 lb typical, 5302 lb max
Wing Span	31 ft 9.88 inch		Wing Aspect ratio	Bi-plane
Wing Area	241.11 sq ft		Service ceiling	33300 ft
Maximum speed	267 mph at 17485 ft		Cruising speed	235 mph at 19685 ft
Initial climb rate	Climb to 13,125 ft in 5 min 26 sec		Range	448 miles typical, 631 miles max
Fuel capacity internal	unknown		Fuel capacity external	unknown
Machine guns	2 × 0.50 inch SAFAT gun fixed forward-firing in nose, 400 rounds 2 × 0.50 inch fixed rearward-firing in blisters under lower wing, 1 gun each side		Cannons	-
Bomb load	Up to 441 lb carried on two underwing hardpoints, each carrying a 220 lb bomb		Torpedoes/rockets	-
Crew	1		Naval or ground based	Ground
First flight (prototype)	23 May 1938		Operational Service	April 1939 - 1945
Manufacturer	Società Anonima Aeronautica d'Italia FIAT (Fiat)		Number produced	1.781 total, unknown number this version

Metric system

Length	8.27 m		Height	3.59 m
Empty weight	1707 kg		Operational weight	2300 kg typical, 2405 kg max
Wing Span	9.7 m		Wing Aspect ratio	1
Wing Area	22.4 m²		Service ceiling	10150 m
Maximum speed	430 km/h at 5329 m		Cruising speed	378 km/h at 6000 m
Initial climb rate	Climb to 6.000 m in 5 min 26 sec		Range	721 km typical, 1015 km max
Fuel capacity internal	unknown		Fuel capacity external	unknown
Machine guns	2 × 12,7 mm SAFAT gun fixed forward-firing in nose, 400 rounds 2 × 12,7 mm fixed rearward-firing in blisters under lower wing, 1 gun each side		Cannons	-
Bomb load	Up to 200 kg carried on two underwing hardpoints, each carrying a 100 kg bomb		Torpedoes/rockets	-

Here is a quick overview of all different versions, without the full technical specifications:

Remarks:

Despite being totally obsolete, the fighter still managed to interrest foreign countries. Export numbers of the CR.42 Falco are: Belgium 24, Hungary 68, and Sweden 72 (locally known as J 11's). It saw like other Italian planes also action during the Battle of Britain, but heavy losses occurred forcing the Italians to withdraw their fighters. It was further used extensively during the Greek and Aegean campaings, and in the North African Theatre. In both areas it suffered losses from the British. Actually, during the beginnings of the Desert War in North Africa did the CR.42 perform well, until modern aircraft were flown in for the RAF.

Strengths:

• Great structural strength
• Excellent handling
• Excellent maneuverability

Weaknesses:

• Low speed
• Insufficient armament

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