| Plane type & model |
Biplane fighter (CR42) |
Developed in the wrong convintion that the biplane formula had a future, while other aeronautics were developing monoplane fighters, the CR 42 has many of the previous models (CR 32, 40 , 41) s characteristics, with a powerful radial motor and a metallic structure. After the early testings, Regia Aeronautica ordered 200 exemplars of the plane, and the first arrived in February 1939. Between 1939 and 1941 Belgium, Switzerland and Hungary recieved many exemplars of the plane. During the first years of war, the Falco was widely employed on various fronts (United Kingdom, Mediterranean, Africa). But it was surpassed by the new Allied monoplanes, so it was given to attack, training and night interception roles. However it was built until 1944 and the last 150 exemplars were used by Luftwaffe in night actions. Some monopost and bipost exemplars survived the war and were used by Aeronautica Italiana during the second half of 40s. |
