Fiat CR.20
Fiat Aviazione · Italy · first flew 1926 · fighter
The Fiat CR.20 was an Italian single-seat sesquiplane biplane fighter of the late 1920s, designed by Celestino Rosatelli and featuring his characteristic W-form Warren-truss interplane struts. It was widely used by the Regia Aeronautica and exported to several nations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Italian inter-war sesquiplane biplane fighter
- Celestino Rosatelli CR-series design with Warren-truss interplane struts
- Exported widely; used in early colonial operations
The distinctive W-form Warren-truss interplane struts (without conventional vertical struts) are the primary recognition feature of all Fiat CR-series biplanes; the sesquiplane layout has a much smaller lower wing than upper.
Specifications
- The Fiat CR.20 has a length of 6.71 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.8 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 280 km/h (174 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The CR.20 entered Italian service in 1927 and proved a capable fighter for its era, equipping numerous fighter units of the Regia Aeronautica. It saw action in colonial operations in Libya and Ethiopia. Export customers included Hungary, Austria, Paraguay, and several others, and it was produced under licence in Italy in considerable numbers.
Variants
Variants included the CR.20 (in-line engine), CR.20bis (more powerful engine), and CR.20 Idro (floatplane); a two-seat CR.20 B trainer version was also built.
Where you'll see it
Served the Regia Aeronautica as a front-line fighter through the late 1920s and into the 1930s; saw colonial combat in Africa; served with numerous export customers.
Related aircraft
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