FIAT CR-32 CHIRRI OVER SPAIN

The Fiat CR.32 is an Italian metal biplane fighter. The flight of the prototype took place in April 1933. A year later, the plane entered service. The drive unit was a 600HP Fiat A30 RA-bis V12 engine. In 1934-1939 it was the most common fighter in the Regia Aeronautica. Fiat CR.32 gained the reputation of a solid and easy-to-pilot machine and proved itself perfectly during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), where it was one of the basic aircraft of General Franco's troops. One of the best pilots of this war - Joaquin Garcia Morato y Castano - flew it and achieved as many as 36 air victories. The plane was then exported to many countries, including to Austria, China, Paraguay and Hungary. Unfortunately, at the outbreak of World War II, the FIAT CR.32 was distanced by modern British, French or German constructions. As a result, the CR.32 was systematically moved from 1942 to training tasks and night combat flights. In total, over 1,300 aircraft of this type were built. Technical data: Maximum speed: 360 km / h, rate of climb: 9 m / s, maximum ceiling 8,800 m, maximum range: 781 km, armament: fixed-2 Breda-SAFAT machine guns cal. 7.7 or 12.7 mm, Suspended - up to 100 kg of bombs.