Fiat CR.32
Fiat Aviazione · Italy · first flew 1933 · fighter
The Fiat CR.32 was a highly manoeuvrable Italian biplane fighter of the 1930s, considered one of the finest biplane fighters of its era. Its distinctive Warren-truss interplane strut arrangement gave it exceptional rigidity and handling.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Two synchronised machine guns in upper fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian interwar biplane fighter with Warren-truss interplane struts
- Fixed undercarriage with prominent wheel spats
- Two synchronised machine guns in upper fuselage
Distinctive biplane with characteristic Warren-truss N-type interplane struts rather than conventional parallel struts; the spatted undercarriage and inline-style radial cowling are additional identifying features.
Specifications
- The Fiat CR.32 has a length of 7.45 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.5 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 375 km/h (233 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1933, the CR.32 served with distinction in the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria supporting Franco's Nationalist forces, where Italian pilots developed the close-formation 'Cucaracha' fighting tactics. It was used in the Italian conquest of Ethiopia and remained in Regia Aeronautica service at Italy's entry into WWII, where it was quickly outclassed. It was also exported to Austria, Hungary, China and Paraguay.
Variants
The CR.32bis and CR.32ter featured uprated engines and armament; the CR.32quater was the final production version.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Regia Aeronautica, and Spanish Nationalist, Austrian, Hungarian, Chinese and Paraguayan air forces; combat use extended from Ethiopia (1935) to the early years of WWII.
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