Fiat CR.42 Falco

The Fiat CR.42 Falco, introduced in 1939, was the last biplane fighter to enter mass production for a major air force. Developed by Fiat's Aeronautica subsidiary, it evolved from the earlier CR.32 and incorporated a streamlined wooden–metal structure, an enclosed cockpit, and a more powerful Fiat A.74 radial engine delivering 870 hp. With a top speed of 440 km/h, a service ceiling of 10,300 m and a climb rate of 12 m/s, the CR.42 could still outperform many early monoplane adversaries in maneuverability, a quality prized by Italian pilots during the early years of World II. Over 1,800 units served with the Regia Aeronautica, the Luftwaffe, the Royal Hungarian Air Force and several Balkan and Middle‑Eastern nations. Its armament of two 12.7 mm Breda–Safi machine guns, later upgraded to include 20 mm cannons, gave it respectable firepower for a biplane. Although quickly outclassed by faster monoplane designs, the Falco's ruggedness, low‑cost construction and excellent handling made it a valuable trainer and ground‑attack platform throughout the conflict and in post‑war service, leaving a lasting legacy as the swan song of the biplane era today.

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