Fiat BR.20 Cicogna
Fiat Aviazione · Italy · first flew 1936 · bomber
The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna (Stork) was a twin-engine Italian medium bomber that equipped the Regia Aeronautica from 1936 and saw combat in China, Spain, World War II, and even the Battle of Britain. It was the most capable Italian bomber at Italy's entry into the war.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.17 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine Italian medium bomber with glazed nose
- Retractable undercarriage and smooth monoplane lines
- Participated in the Battle of Britain as part of Corpo Aereo Italiano
The BR.20 is characterised by its rounded, smooth monoplane airframe with twin Fiat A.80 radials, a glazed bombardier nose, retractable undercarriage with pronounced fairings, and dorsal and ventral gun positions.
Specifications
- The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna has a length of 16.17 m (53 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.55 m (71 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 430 km/h (267 mph).
- Typical crew: 5–6.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in February 1936, the BR.20 served with Italian forces in the Spanish Civil War and was exported to Japan, which used it in China. In 1940–41, the Corpo Aereo Italiano deployed BR.20s against British targets during the Battle of Britain, suffering significant losses against RAF fighters.
Variants
The BR.20M was an improved version with revised nose glazing and updated equipment. The BR.20bis had further engine and defensive armament upgrades. Japan designated its examples Type 1 Heavy Bomber (Ki-12 was a separate unrelated type; the BR.20s were used operationally).
Where you'll see it
Served with the Regia Aeronautica in Ethiopia, Spain, Albania, Greece, and in the Corpo Aereo Italiano over England. The Japanese Army Air Force used BR.20s operationally in China. The type was obsolescent by 1941 and progressively withdrawn from front-line service.
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