Fiat CR.20
| Industry | Aerospace, Defense |
|---|---|
| Founder | Giovanni Agnelli |
| Headquarters | Turin , Italy |
| Products | Aircraft, automobiles |
The Fiat CR.20 was an Italian-designed biplane fighter developed and manufactured by Fiat. It served as a transitional model between the earlier Fiat CR.1 biplane and the subsequent successful series including the Fiat CR.30, CR.32, and CR.42.[1]
Led by aeronautical engineer Celestino Rosatelli, the development of the CR.20 employed a sesquiplane wing arrangement. Its propulsion came from a water-cooled 306 kW (410 hp) Fiat A.20 V-12 engine.[2] Key variants included the CR.20 Idro, equipped with pontoon floats for water operations, and the CR.20 Asso, which featured a more powerful (336 kW/450 hp) engine from Isotta Fraschini. Starting in 1930, the CR.20bis was produced, differing mainly by incorporating an improved landing gear system.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]
Design and development
The Fiat CR.20 was designed as a sesquiplane fighter aircraft.[3] Its structure consisted entirely of metal, combining both steel and lightweight alloys for the framework. The exterior was covered predominantly with fire-resistant fabric, except for the forward fuselage near the engine which was sheathed in duralumin panels.[3] The fuselage exhibited a streamlined profile achieved through duralumin ribs and tubing that directly supported the fabric skin.[4] The pilot's seat was positioned relatively high above the fuselage top, offering excellent visibility above and below the upper wing line. The compact dimensions of the aircraft contributed to reduced inertia in all axes, enhancing its agility.[5]
The wings featured staggered positioning along with dihedral angles.[3] Wing struts were minimized and arranged in a warren girder pattern to reduce aerodynamic drag and simplify assembly. The ribs incorporated triangular bracing made from slender duralumin tubes, while the wing spars were constructed as box girders formed by riveted metal strips.[3] Shearing stresses were effectively managed by twin spar webs whose flanges extended along their entire length and were reinforced at critical points, allowing for nearly uniform girder strength without significant cross-sectional variation.[6] The wing struts were fabricated from sheet metal with an aspect ratio of 2.5, consistent with standard practice on Fiat aircraft of that era. Each half of the cabane struts consisted of three members joined so as not to obstruct cockpit access or visibility.[4]
The fuselage framework comprised four steel longerons connected by transverse frames and triangular bracing elements.[4] The forward fuselage structure ended at the second bulkhead, which functioned as a projecting support bracket. Engine mounting was straightforward but designed to allow easy access to components such as magnetos, water pump, fuel pump, oil pump, and other powerplant elements.[4] No bracing was installed between lower longerons due to fuel tank placement; instead, horizontal girders extended to join with the lower wing structure. The honeycomb-style radiator located in the forward fuselage utilized elastic mounts to isolate it from vibrations.[4] Radiator airflow passages were engineered to maximize cooling efficiency during climbs, with pilot-controlled shutters regulating airflow.[7]
Propulsion came from a water-cooled Fiat A.20 V-12 engine delivering approximately 410 hp,[8] which turned a fixed-pitch twin-bladed propeller.[8] The engine's compact design allowed for high specific power output while facilitating optimal radiator installation for effective cooling and protection against enemy fire.[8] Twin double-spark high-tension magnetos were mounted behind the engine for ease of inspection, complemented by a specialized starter assisted by starting magnetos.[8]
Armament consisted of four machine guns housed within the fuselage.[8] Two guns fired through the propeller arc positioned close to the pilot in a conventional setup; two additional guns were mounted on either side of the fuselage near the engine-supporting longeron.[8] Ammunition boxes located alongside and beneath the engine cowling were adequately shielded.[9] The aircraft featured a relatively large payload capacity.[10]
Significant emphasis was placed on safety features to ensure ease of handling without demanding advanced piloting skills.[5] To reduce fire hazards onboard, pilots could jettison the fuel tank if necessary.[5] Torque effects were counterbalanced by making the left fuel cell slightly longer than the right one.[5] Careful consideration was given to positioning fuel and oil tanks relative to the center of gravity and situating landing gear to minimize tipping risks on uneven terrain. The angle of attack was optimized to maximize lift during landing approaches, reducing touchdown speed.[5] Despite these safety measures, the CR.20 demonstrated capability for aerobatic maneuvers along with respectable horizontal speed and climb performance.[11]
Operational history
In September 1926, the CR.20 underwent official evaluations at Montecelio, where early aviators frequently praised its excellent handling, straightforward operation, responsive control system, and outstanding flight stability.
By 1933, the CR.20 had attained its operational zenith, being deployed across 27 squadrons within the Italian Regia Aeronautica. It saw combat against Libyan insurgents and participated in offensive missions during the initial phase of the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. Throughout much of the 1930s, the CR.20 continued to serve in aerobatic displays and as a training platform for the Regia Aeronautica.
That same year, Italy transferred five CR.20 aircraft to Paraguay, which was engaged in the Chaco War against Bolivia. These fighters remained Paraguay’s sole combat aircraft until the war concluded.
Variants
- CR.20 Idro : Seaplane variant equipped with twin floats.
- CR.20bis : Single-seat fighter biplane featuring an improved landing gear design.
- CR.20bisAQ/CR.20AQ : CR.20bis models powered by the Fiat A.20 A.Q. piston engine.
- CR.20 Asso : Single-seat fighter biplane driven by a 336 kW (450 hp) Isotta Fraschini Asso Caccia engine.
- CR.20B : Two-seat trainer and communication aircraft produced in limited quantities.
Operators
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- Lithuanian Air Force – Operated 15 units from 1928 to 1940.
- Soviet Air Force – Utilized two aircraft exclusively for testing purposes.
Specifications (CR.20)
See also
References
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- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 NACA 1927, p. 1.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 NACA 1927, p. 2.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 NACA 1927, p. 4.
- ↑ NACA 1927, pp. 1-2.
- ↑ NACA 1927, pp. 2-3.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 NACA 1927, p. 3.
- ↑ NACA 1927, pp. 3-4.
- ↑ NACA 1927, p. 5.
- ↑ NACA 1927, pp. 4-5.
Bibliography
- Angelucci, Enzo. The Rand McNally Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft, 1914-1980. San Diego, CA: The Military Press, 1983. ISBN 0-517-41021-4.
- Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. New York, NY: Smithmark, 1994. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.
- von Rauch, Gerd. "The Green Hell Air War". Air Enthusiast Quarterly, Issue 2, 1976, pp. 207–213. Bromley, UK: Pilot Press.
- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- Taylor, Michael J.H. Warplanes of the World 1918-1939. London: Ian Allan Publishing, 1981. ISBN 0-7110-1078-1.
- "Fiat C.R. 20 pursuit airplane" National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, 1 May 1927. NACA-AC-43, 93R19910.
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