Fiat CR.25

Fiat CR.25

Company type	Aircraft
Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1937 (1937)
Products	Reconnaissance and fighter aircraft
Owner	Fiat

The Fiat CR.25 was an Italian twin-engine aircraft designed for reconnaissance and fighter roles, which saw limited service with the Regia Aeronautica during the period of World War II.

History

Initially, an order for 40 CR.25 units was placed, but this was later reduced to ten—comprising two prototypes and eight additional aircraft—following the operational shortcomings of the seemingly more capable Breda Ba.88 bomber. Subsequently, the CR.25 was designated primarily for reconnaissance missions and as an escort fighter. A total of nine aircraft (one prototype plus eight pre-production models) were allocated to this purpose. During the conflict, the type was operated by the 173^a Squadriglia Ricognizione Strategica Terrestre (Strategic Land Reconnaissance Squadron), based in Sicily. Despite favorable evaluations from pilots and Fiat’s proposal to restart manufacturing, no further production ensued.

The prototype, bearing the military registration MM 332, was converted into a personnel transport and assigned to the Italian embassy located in Berlin.

Variants

File:Fiat C.R.25.jpg

• CR.25 : Twin-engine reconnaissance bomber with two prototypes constructed.
• CR.25bis : Strategic reconnaissance and long-range escort fighter variant; eight pre-production aircraft produced.
• CR.25 D : The prototype MM 332 modified as a transport aircraft for the Italian air attaché stationed in Berlin.
• CR.25quater : Proposed by Fiat in spring 1943, this version featured increased armament, slightly larger wingspan, and 1175 HP engines; it did not progress beyond design stages.

Operators

Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy

• Regia Aeronautica

Specifications (CR.25bis)

File:Fiat CR.25 3-view.svg

References

• Fiat CR.25
• Garello, GianCarlo. CR 25. Turin: La Bancarella Aeronautica, 1997.