Fiat CR 42 Falco

Type Fighter
Manufacturer: Fiat
Designed by Celestino Rosatelli
Maiden flight 23 May, 1938
Introduced 1939
Retired1945
Primary user Regia Aeronautica
Number built 1,784
Developed from Fiat CR.32

The Fiat CR.42 Falco ("Falcon") was a sesquiplane which served as the primary fighter aircraft of Italy's Regia Aeronautica at the outbreak of World War II. Although outdated by monoplane fighters, it still acquitted itself well in North Africa until the advent of more advanced Allied fighters. The Fiat CR.42 was the last of the Fiat biplane fighters to enter frontline service as a fighter, and represented the epitome of the type.