The aircraft was Italy’s most produced fighter of World War II, but despite proving itself over France, it was relatively ineffective during the Battle of Britain
In May 1939, the CR.42 Falco entered service with the Regia Aeronautica’s 53° Stormo, based at Turin. By the time Italy had entered the Second World War on June 1940, almost 300 examples had been delivered with further orders being produced soon after. Powered by a Fiat A.74 radial piston engine, the aircraft’s wing characteristics and clean exterior surface gave it an agile and maneuverable performance. The type was initially tasked with defending towns and cities from enemy attacks, as well as military airfields and naval ports.
Just three days after Italy h
