The CR.42’s final assembly line on the Fiat Aeritalia’s factory, Turin. Paradoxically, despite its obsolescent formula (biplane, fixed landing gear, open cockpit, radial engine low power), the CR.42 was the Italian aircraft produced on the greatest number during WW2: over 1800 aircraft plus 140 for export (Belgium. Sweden, Hungary) and other 51 (or 63) for the Luftwaffe from 1939 until 1944, 40/50 units monthly, one every five aircrafts was a CR.42 when already the other air forces had well-different machines! Power of Fiat? (according the malicious). Victor Sierra

A paradox?

A CR.42CN’s pilot of Italian Regia Aeronatica’s 300th Squadriglia, the unit used as Rome’s night defence from Ciampino Airport on 1942. Clearly visible the port wing spotlight. Victor Sierra

Night fighter’s pilot

Fiat CR.42s of 18th Gruppo Caccia, 56th Stormo, Corpo Aereo Italiano (Italian Air Corps) on the Ursel Airport, Belgium, during the unlucky Italian participation to Battle of England, late Autumn 1940. In background the aircraft of unit’s commander (note the rank on fuselage). The first Regia Aeronautica’s order was 500 CR.42s on three batch from February 1939 until August 1940 and in 10 June 1940, entry of Italy in the war, the 40 per cent of Italian fighter front line was CR.42 in service with units on Mainland, Sicily, Libya and Italian East Africa. During the war, until the Italian Armistice (8 September 1943) the CR.42 was present on all the war fronts, excepted the Russian front, a very ubiquitous airplane. Victor Sierra