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Fiat CR.32

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Fiat CR.32
Company typeFighter aircraft
IndustryAerospace
PredecessorFiat CR.30
Founded1933
FounderCelestino Rosatelli
SuccessorFiat CR.42 Falco
Area served
Italy, Spain, China, Austria, Hungary, Paraguay, Venezuela, North and East Africa, Albania, Mediterranean region
ProductsBiplane fighter aircraft


Template:Infobox aircraft

The Fiat CR.32 was an Italian biplane fighter that saw action during the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War. Conceived by aeronautical engineer Celestino Rosatelli, this aircraft was noted for its compact size, sturdy construction, and exceptional agility for its time, making it a widely favored fighter throughout the 1930s.

Operationally, the CR.32 participated in conflicts across North and East Africa, Albania, and various Mediterranean campaigns. It gained significant acclaim during the Spanish Civil War, where it earned recognition as one of the finest fighter biplanes ever produced. Additionally, the model served with air forces in China, Austria, Hungary, Paraguay, and Venezuela. The Italian Pattuglie Acrobatiche frequently showcased its capabilities through impressive aerial displays across Europe. By the late 1930s, however, advancements in monoplane technology had eclipsed the CR.32’s performance. Despite being outclassed by newer Italian fighters—including its successor, the Fiat CR.42 Falco which was developed from the CR.32—the aircraft remained in operational use throughout World War II.

Development

The design of the Fiat CR.32 was led by aeronautical engineer Celestino Rosatelli. It evolved from the earlier Fiat CR.30, which had limited production within the Regia Aeronautica. Within a year, the more refined CR.32 replaced it. Featuring a smaller and more aerodynamic fuselage than its predecessor, the CR.32 presented a more compact airframe.

The prototype CR.32, designated MM.201, completed its first flight on 28 April 1933 at Fiat’s facility near Turin. By year's end, initial production units were already being delivered to front-line squadrons of the Regia Aeronautica. Manufacturing continued extensively from 1933 until 1938. Four main variants were produced: standard, bis, ter, and quater. The bis variant incorporated a more powerful Fiat A.30R V12 engine along with two extra machine guns; meanwhile, both the ter and quater models maintained original armaments but featured upgraded gunsights and instrumentation.

By 1938, technological progress in aviation—particularly with new monoplane fighters—had rendered the CR.32 obsolete. Its direct successor was the Fiat CR.42 Falco, which originated from modifications to the CR.32 design. During this transition phase, four CR.32 aircraft were converted into prototypes for development purposes.

Design

File:Capt. Mario D'Agostini.jpg
Captain Mario D'Agostini beside the rear section of his CR.32, 1940

The fuselage framework of the Fiat CR.32 mirrored that of its predecessor, the CR.30, constructed from a combination of aluminium and steel tubing. The nose area extending to the cockpit, as well as the rear lower section beneath the tail, were sheathed in duraluminium, while fabric covered the sides and underside.[1] Cattaneo described the fuselage as notably sturdy for its period. The aircraft was equipped with a non-retractable landing gear featuring hydraulic shock absorbers; its wheels were enclosed within streamlined fairings, and braking was operated pneumatically.[1]

The wings and tail surfaces combined materials similar to the fuselage, utilizing paired aluminium alloy tubular spars alongside square-section tubes, all covered with fabric. It was designed as a sesquiplane, with the lower wing shorter in span than the upper. The interplane struts formed dual Warren truss configurations on each side. Only the upper wings were fitted with ailerons, which were balanced by external tabs mounted on steel struts.[1] The empennage mainly consisted of aluminium tubing and featured a tailplane with adjustable incidence and an aerodynamically balanced elevator.[1]

File:Fiat CR32 with RAAF officers at Benghazi 1941.jpg
Royal Australian Air Force personnel standing next to a captured CR.32 in Benghazi, Libya, 1941

Inside the cockpit, an adjustable seat was provided along with a parachute stored within the seat squab.[1] While considered fully equipped instrument-wise for its time, the RA.80-1 radio remained an optional addition.[2] Other onboard gear included a fire extinguisher, a gun camera, and an oxygen supply system for the pilot; optional installations could include an optical gunsight and a survey camera.[3] Initially armed with two 7.7 mm (.030 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted atop the engine cowling—later replaced by two 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT guns—each weapon held 350 rounds. Subsequent models were also equipped with two hard points capable of carrying up to twelve 5 lb bombs, two 100 lb bombs, or a single 200 lb bomb.[3]

Power was supplied by a single water-cooled Fiat A.30 R.A. V12 engine.[3] Developed in 1930, this 60° V12 produced up to 447 kW (600 hp) at 2,600 rpm and was reportedly influenced by the American Curtiss D-12.Template:Fix/category[citation needed] It turned a two-bladed metal propeller measuring 2.82 meters (9 ft 4 in), with pitch adjustable only on the ground rather than during flight.[3] Unlike standard aviation fuel, this engine ran on a blend of petrol (55%), ethanol (23%), and benzol (22%). The main fuel tank held 325 litres (85.9 US gallons) and was located between the engine and cockpit; an additional auxiliary tank of 25 litres (6.6 US gallons) was housed within a streamlined fairing atop the upper wing's center section.[3]

Initial deployment

The newly designed biplane quickly gained favor. Following a brief testing phase, the initial production contracts for the CR.32 were secured in March 1934. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft was assigned to the 1°, 3°, and 4° Stormi of the Regia Aeronautica. The CR.32 earned a reputation among its pilots for its exceptional agility and a robust fuselage that enhanced durability.

Fiat's biplanes frequently featured in aerobatic exhibitions both domestically and internationally. When dignitaries visited Rome, the elite 4° Stormo of the Regia Aeronautica showcased skillful formations of five to ten planes. In 1936, these aerial demonstrations expanded to various European capitals and large cities, followed by tours in South America the next year. Upon returning, a spectacular performance was held in Berlin. Additional overseas tours, including a 1938 South American expedition by Italian display teams, utilized the CR.32. Its tight turning radius and superior handling made it particularly well-suited for aerobatic routines.

The CR.32's most notable attribute was its exceptional maneuverability. This performance, coupled with its popularity among pilots, likely influenced many Regia Aeronautica officials to maintain confidence in the biplane design as a valid platform for ongoing development and deployment, even as newer monoplane fighters emerged.

Spain

File:Fiat C.R.32-Baleari.jpg
Two Fiat C.R.32 aircraft from X Gruppo "Baleari".

In 1938, Spain obtained a license to manufacture the CR.32 locally. The Spanish company Hispano Aviación established a production facility and built at least 100 units, which were designated HA-132-L Chirri within Spain. Some of these aircraft continued serving as C.1 aerobatic trainers until as late as 1953.

The Fiat CR.32 saw extensive use during the Spanish Civil War, supporting the Fascist insurgents against the Spanish Republic. Approximately 380 units participated in combat over Spain, proving to be formidable opponents against the Soviet-supplied Polikarpov I-15 biplanes and Polikarpov I-16 monoplanes forming the core of the Spanish Republican Air Force. The type’s combat debut occurred in 1936 when 12 CR.32s arrived in Spain on August 18th, forming the Squadriglia Gamba di Ferro, Cucaracha, and Asso di Bastoni squadrons of the 3° Stormo. Just three days later, Tenente Vittorino Ceccherelli, a recipient of the Gold Medal of Military Valor, claimed the first enemy kill by downing a Nieuport 52 over Cordoba. Between 365 and 405 CR.32s were sent by Italy to Spain during the conflict, with between 127 and 131 delivered directly to Nationalist air units. Republican forces captured six aircraft; one was sent to the Soviet Union for detailed analysis.

Thanks to the nimble CR.32, Italian forces gained air superiority over their Republican adversaries, who operated an assortment of often outdated aircraft types. The Aviazione Legionaria credited with shooting down 60 (48 confirmed) advanced Soviet Tupolev SB bombers—previously considered nearly untouchable—as well as 242 Polikarpov I-15 biplanes and 240 Polikarpov I-16 monoplanes, plus roughly another hundred unconfirmed kills. In contrast, reported losses of CR.32s were only 73. Other sources indicate that out of 376 Fiat aircraft sent to Spain, 175 (43 operated by Spanish forces and 132 by Italians) were lost—including 99 (26 Spanish and 73 Italian) shot down—while by January 1939 only 88 I-15s had been downed.

Spanish aces

The highest scoring CR.32 ace was the Spaniard Joaquín García Morato y Castaño, recognized as the foremost Nationalist fighter pilot during the Spanish Civil War. He secured 36 out of his total 40 victories while piloting the Fiat biplane. Morato consistently flew the same aircraft, marked with the number 3-51 on its fuselage, until his demise. In April 1939, shortly after the conflict ended, he tragically crashed his trusted 3-51 during low-level aerobatic maneuvers.

Another notable Nationalist CR.32 ace was Capitán Manuel Vázquez Sagastizábal, who amassed 21⅓ victories with Grupo 2-G-3 before being shot down and killed on 23 January 1939. Meanwhile, Comandante Angel Salas Larrazabal, initially scoring one kill flying a Nieuport-Delage 52, transitioned to several CR.32s and on 29 October 1936 shot down the first of the swift Soviet Tupolev SB-2 bombers to be downed by Nationalist fighters. He achieved four additional kills with the CR.32 before transferring to a Heinkel He 51 squadron. After two more victories, he joined Grupo 2-G-3, where flying CR.32s again, he raised his tally to 16, including three SB-2s and an I-16 in a single mission on 2 September 1938. Capitán Miguel Guerrero Garcia claimed nine of his total 13 victories in the Fiat biplane: four I-15s, three "Papagayos" (a term for R-5 and Polikarpov-RZ assault bombers), and two I-16 fighters.

Second World War

File:CR.32.jpeg
A CR.32 in service between 1940 and 1942.

The favorable aerobatic qualities of the CR.32 and its achievements in Spain led the Italian air ministry to maintain confidence in biplane fighters as viable combat aircraft.[4] As a result, by May 1939—prior to Italy's involvement in World War II—the CR.32 variants bis, ter, and quater accounted for approximately two-thirds of all fighters within the Regia Aeronautica. A total of 288 were deployed across Italy and North Africa, with an additional 24 stationed in East Africa.

North Africa

At the outbreak of war against Britain and France on 10 June 1940, the Regia Aeronautica’s operational fighter contingent in Libya comprised 36 CR.32s alongside 51 Fiat CR.42s.[5] The following day marked the initial engagement between CR.32s and British aircraft, when six CR.32s intercepted a formation of Bristol Blenheim bombers targeting El Adem airfield. The Italian pilots claimed two Blenheims destroyed and four damaged; British records indicate losses of two bombers destroyed and two damaged, with no Italian losses reported.[6][7] According to Cattaneo, rather than prioritizing dogfights, CR.32 pilots frequently performed ground attack strafing runs, functioning as light attack aircraft; he described these operations as having "limited effectiveness" during the campaign.[8]

East Africa

One of the most notable combat achievements involving CR.32 aircraft occurred in Italian East Africa.[9] In this theater, the 410a and 411a Squadriglia units, which comprised half of the fighters deployed in the Italian colony, successfully engaged and destroyed several British and South African planes.[9] When piloted by an experienced aviator, the CR.32 demonstrated the ability to overcome faster, more heavily armed monoplanes such as Hurricanes and Blenheims.

The Fiat CR.32s entered combat on 17 June, when members of the 411a Squadriglia, including Tenente Aldo Meoli and Maresciallo Bossi, intercepted three South African Air Force Junkers Ju 86 bombers en route to Yavello, accompanied by two Hurricanes from 1 SAAF Squadron. The Fiat pilots succeeded in downing one Ju 86 before engaging the Hurricanes, shooting down the aircraft piloted by 2/Lt B.L. Griffiths, who perished in the crash.[10] On 7 July, three CR.32s providing escort for three Caproni Ca.133 bombers intercepted three Hawker Hartebeests; they shot down the plane flown by Lt N.K. Rankin, resulting in the deaths of both the pilot and his gunner, Air Sgt D.H. Hughes.[11] During an attack on the airfield at Makale on 23 February 1941, Maj Laurie Wilmot flying a Hurricane was surprised by Italian ace Alberto Veronese piloting a Fiat biplane. Wilmot was compelled to make a forced landing and became a prisoner of war (PoW). Shortly thereafter, Capt Andrew Duncan wounded Veronese, who then bailed out.[12] Despite facing an increasing number of more advanced aircraft, the CR.32s continued to claim additional victories.

Before being disbanded, the 410a Squadriglia alone had shot down fourteen enemy planes. However, the lack of spare parts and reinforcements from Italy led to a steady decline in operational CR.32 numbers. On 10 January 1941, twenty-two CR.32s remained active; this number dropped to fourteen by 31 January, eleven by 10 February, and only eight by 5 March. The final CR.32 remained operational until mid-April 1941.[13]

Mediterranean

In the initial weeks following the invasion of Greece on 28 October 1940, fourteen CR.32s from the 160° Gruppo and nine from the 2° Gruppo of the 6° Stormo participated in combat operations. Additionally, eight aircraft from the 163a Squadriglia, stationed at Gadurrà airfield on Rhodes, took part in the campaign against Crete. CR.32s assigned to the 3° Gruppo were active in Sardinia, but between July and December 1940 their serviceable numbers declined sharply from twenty-eight to just seven aircraft. Cattaneo noted that ground crews often faced shortages of fuel, ammunition, and spare parts necessary for proper maintenance, forcing them to rely on improvisation due to inadequate supply chains—a factor that significantly reduced the fighter’s operational readiness.[8] The last frontline CR.32s remained in use until mid-April 1941 before being reassigned to the Scuola Caccia (fighter pilot training schools). By 1942, these aircraft were limited to night sorties as more modern fighters entered service.Template:Fix/category[citation needed]

China

China became the initial foreign user of the CR.32, with Chiang Kai-shek ordering 16 units (some sources indicate 24) of the first production batch in 1933. These aircraft were fitted with Vickers 7.7 mm machine guns instead of the Breda-SAFAT armament, featured electric headlights, and had the oil tank's nose cooling fins removed. A number of them were also equipped with radio sets. They operated from Nangahang airport, situated near Shanghai. While some senior Chinese officers expressed reservations about the Fiat, Chinese pilots valued the Italian biplanes for outperforming American models like the Curtiss Hawk and Boeing P-26 in comparative evaluations. The Chinese government refrained from placing further orders due to difficulties in importing alcohol and benzole additives required for engine fuel. By May 1936, only six CR.32s remained serviceable. In August 1937, these surviving aircraft saw limited success during operations in Shanghai against Japanese forces. By late 1937, following the fall of Nanjing, all CR.32s had been lost.

Austria

In early 1936, Austria procured 45 CR.32s to equip Jagdgeschwader II stationed at Wiener Neustadt. After the Anschluss with Nazi Germany in March 1938, Austrian air units were incorporated into the Luftwaffe. Shortly thereafter, 36 remaining CR.32s were transferred to Hungary.

Hungary

File:A Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő Fiat Cr-32 típusú vadászgépe. Fortepan 52919.jpg
Hungarian Royal Air Force personnel beside a CR.32, 1943

The Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő (MKHL) acquired a total of 76 CR.32 fighters between 1935 and 1936. These Fiat biplanes first saw combat in 1939 during the brief conflict with the newly established Slovak state. Bearing red-white-green chevron insignia, the CR.32s secured air superiority over Slovakia’s nascent air force, which suffered losses including several Avia B.534 and Letov S-328 aircraft during engagements.

In April 1941, during hostilities against Yugoslavia, MKHL lost three CR.32s, yet by 6 May that year, 69 remained operational within the Hungarian Air Force. When Hungary entered war against the Soviet Union in June 1941, CR.32s were assigned to two units supporting ground forces on the Eastern Front: 1./I Group of the 1st Fighter Wing based at Szolnok, and 2./I Group of the 2nd Fighter Wing stationed at Nyíregyháza. On 29 June, Hungarian Fiat biplanes intercepted seven attacking Tupolev SB-2 bombers targeting Csap railway station; they successfully downed three bombers without sustaining losses.

As more modern fighters such as the Fiat CR.42 and Reggiane Re.2000 entered service, remaining Hungarian CR.32s were gradually relegated to training roles only.

South Africa

In August 1941, a CR-32 was seized intact at Addis Ababa, restored to flying condition, and transported to Zwartkop Air Station. The aircraft subsequently embarked on a public exhibition tour before being assigned to 6 Squadron in April 1942, where it served as a utility aircraft. By November 1942, this plane was transferred to the Natal University Air Training Squadron and was ultimately dismantled in 1945.

South America

Venezuela procured nine CR.32quater fighters in 1938, though some sources report ten units.[4] These aircraft featured an enlarged radiator to improve engine cooling under tropical conditions. Delivered to Maracay during the latter half of 1938, they equipped the 1° Regimiento de Aviación Militar del Venezuela. By 1943, with five CR.32s still operational, they were officially removed from service.[2][14]

Approximately four units were believed to have been supplied to Paraguay in 1938.[4] Five CR.32quater fighters (registered as 1-1, 1-3, 1-5, 1-7, and 1-9) were allocated to the 1.a Escuadrilla de Caza of the Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército Nacional del Paraguay. Although these aircraft did not participate in combat operations against Bolivia, they remained active for several years thereafter.[15][14]

Variants

Template:More citations needed section The Regia Aeronautica placed orders for a total of 1,080 CR.32s, which included two prototype models, 23 aircraft rebuilt by the SCA factory in Guidonia near Rome, and an additional 52 units lacking military registration numbers intended for Hungary. Spain produced another 100 CR.32quaters under license as the Hispano Ha.132L Chirri, bringing total production figures between approximately 1,306 and 1,332 units.

CR.32
Equipped with twin machine guns of either 7.7 mm (.303 in) or 12.7 mm (.5 in) caliber and powered by a 447 kW (600 hp) Fiat A.30 R.A.bis engine. These models were delivered to the Regia Aeronautica from March 1934 through February 1936.
CR.32bis
A close-support fighter variant armed with twin Breda-SAFAT Mod.1928Av. machine guns—7.7 mm (.303 in) (often removed in field modifications to reduce weight) and twin 12.7 mm (.5 in) guns. It could carry bomb racks with a payload capacity of either one 100 kg (220 lb) bomb or two bombs of 50 kg (110 lb) each.
CR.32ter
An updated version of the CR.32bis featuring a gun sight, reinforced landing gear, and elimination of wing-mounted guns.[16]
CR.32quater[17]
A refined iteration of the CR.32ter characterized by weight reduction, installation of radio equipment, and a maximum speed of 356 km/h (221 mph) at an altitude of 3,000 m (9,843 ft). A total of 337 units were produced for the Regia Aeronautica.
CR.33
Powered by a 520 kW (700 hp) Fiat AC.33RC engine with a top speed reaching 412 km/h (256 mph; 222 kn) at 3,500 m (11,500 ft).[18] Only three prototypes were constructed.
CR.40
Single prototype powered by a Bristol Mercury IV radial engine.
CR.40bis
One prototype built.
CR.41
Only one prototype produced.
HA-132L Chirri
The Spanish-built version with a production run of 100 aircraft plus an additional 49 refurbished during wartime use. Forty of these were converted into two-seater configurations and retained as aerobatic trainers until their retirement in 1953.[19]

Operators

Template:More citations needed section

File:Fiat C.R.32.JPG
Fiat C.R.32 displayed at the Vigna di Valle air museum in 2012.
Template:AUT
Template:Flagcountry
Template:Flagcountry
  • Luftwaffe utilized former Austrian CR.32 aircraft
Template:Flagcountry
Template:Country data Kingdom of Italy
Template:Country data Paraguay
Template:Country data Spanish State
Template:Country data Spanish Republic
  • Operated captured Fiat CR.32s
Template:Flagcountry
Template:Country data Venezuela

Surviving aircraft

Specifications (CR.32)

File:FIAT CR-32.svg
Three-view blueprint of Fiat CR.32

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See also

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Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named catt 4
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named De Marchi
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Cattaneo 1966, p. 5.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Mondey p. 55
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Shoresmed1 p17
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Shoresmed 1 p23
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named catt 89
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named catt 9
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Mondey 2006, p. 56
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Sutherland & Canwell 2009, p. 38
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Sutherland & Canwell 2009, p. 46
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Thomas 2003, p. 60
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named De Marchi 1994, p. 34
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named catt 8
  15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Sgarlato, Nico
  16. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Smith
  17. ↑ Green and Swanborough 1994, pp. 205–206.
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ Haubner, F. Die Flugzeuge der Österreichischen Luftstreitkräfte vor 1938. Graz, Austria: H. Weishaupt Verlag, 1982.
  21. ↑ PRESTON, Paul. The Spanish Civil War. Reaction, Revolution & Revenge. Harper Perennial. London. 2006. p.117
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  23. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  24. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).

Bibliography

  • Apostolo, Giorgio. Fiat CR 32 (Ali D'Italia 4). (Italian/English). Torino, Italy: La Bancarella Aeronautica, 1996. No ISBN.
  • Cattaneo, Gianni. The Fiat CR.32 (Aircraft in Profile Number 22). Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1965.
  • "Connaissance de l'Histoir Hachette." Avions Militaires 1919–1939 Profils et Histoire (French). Paris: 1979.
  • De Marchi, Italo, Enzo Maio, Pietro Tonizzo and Gianfranco Munerotto. Macchi MC.200 "Saetta" – Fiat CR.32 (in Italian). Modena: Stem Mucchi, 1994.
  • Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. The Complete Book of Fighters. New York: Smithmark, 1994. ISBN 0-8317-3939-8.
  • Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "The Facile Fiat... Rosatelli's Italian Fighter." Air Enthusiast Twenty-two, August–November 1983. Bromley, Kent, UK: Pilot Press Ltd., 1983.
  • Gunston, Bill. The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Salamander Books Limited, 1988. ISBN 1-84065-092-3.
  • Logoluso, Alfredo. Fiat CR.32 Aces of the Spanish Civil War. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978-1-84603-983-6.
  • Maliza, Nicola. Il Fiat C.R. 32 – Poesia del Volo (in Italian). Rome: Edizioni dell'Ateneo & Bizzarri, 1981.
  • Maslov, Mikhail A. Polikarpov I-15, I-16 and I-153. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2010. ISBN 978-1-84603-981-2.
  • McCullough, Anson. "La Cucaracha." Airpower, Volume 28, No. 5, September 1998.
  • Mondey, David. The Hamlyn Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II. London: Bounty Books, 2006. ISBN 0-7537-1460-4.
  • Neulen, Hans Werner. In the Skies of Europe. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press, 2000. ISBN 1-86126-799-1.
  • Punka, George. Fiat CR 32/CR 42 in Action (Aircraft Number 172). Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, 2000. ISBN 0-89747-411-2.
  • Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  • Sgarlato, Nico. Fiat CR.32 Freccia – CR.42 Falco (in Italian). Parma, Italy: Delta Editrice, 2005.
  • Shores, Christopher. Air Aces. Greenwich, CT: Bison Books, 1983. ISBN 0-86124-104-5.
  • Shores, Christopher, Giovanni Massimello and Russell Guest. A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940–1945: Volume One: North Africa June 1940 – January 1942. London: Grub Street, 2012. ISBN 978-1-908117-07-6.
  • Sutherland, Jon and Diane Canwell. Air War East Africa 1940–41. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Pen and Sword Aviation, 2009. ISBN 978-1-84415-816-4.
  • Thomas, Andrew. Hurricane Aces 1941–45. Oxford/New York: Osprey Publishing, 2003.ISBN 1-84176-610-0.
  • Westburg, Peter. "Dogfight over Ruthenia." Airpower, Volume 13, No. 6, November 1983.

External links

Template:Fiat aircraft Template:Hispano aircraft Template:Spanish fighters Template:Spanish trainer aircraft

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