Difference between revisions of "Marcolin's C.R.42 CN"

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{{Specs-Card
 
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|code=fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
 
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|cockpit=cockpit_fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy.jpg
 
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}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = premium Italian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = premium Italian fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = C.R.42 (Family)
 
| link = C.R.42 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The CR.42 was an attempt by FIAT to modernize the CR.32 that saw great success in the Spanish Civil War. The CR.42 would also be an excellent biplane and was considered the best biplane of World War II by many experts and analists. Even though it was outdated, in early World War II it saw some success as an escort fighter, night fighter and even interceptor, it was even capable of dogfighting with some of the early variants of the Hurricane and Spitfire. When the war progressed the CR.42 was relegated to night bombing, light ground attacker or patrol. One of the most influential pilots of the night fighter variant of the CR.42  (The CR.42 CN) was the Italian pilot Luciano Marcolin, the commanding officer of the 377<sup>a</sup> Squadriglia Autonoma.
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{{break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. The ''CN'' is Italian for ''Combattente Notti'' or Night Fighter, hence the black paint job. Though a [[Marcolin's C.R.42 CN (Germany)|version]] existed in the German tech tree as a premium vehicle and is still available to those who unlocked it, it was moved to the Italian tech tree as a gift vehicle in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. The plane is painted after the camouflage scheme of Italian pilot Luciano Marcolin, the commanding officer of the 377<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia Autonoma'' dedicated in a night fighting role.
 
−
 
 
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The C.R.42 is a rank I biplane fighter. It possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Its armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. Due to its battle rating, the C.R.42 gets thrown in with the likes of [[P-36A|P-36]]'s and [[LaGG-3-8|LaGG-3]]'s. As such, the majority of aircraft the C.R.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. The best bet for survival, and downing enemy targets, is to climb to about medium altitude, and lure fighters into turning combat. The overwhelming majority of pilots are unwilling to run from a lowly biplane, allowing you to score critical damage before they realize that they have expended all their energy and must extend away from you. By that time, the damage is usually severe enough that they cannot accelerate away from you quickly enough to escape further damage.
 
  
−
Fighting other biplanes is a whole other issue. Being lighter and thusly having lower stall speeds, they initially perform better in tight turns. Yet all is not lost as the hostile (lower rank) biplane will lose speed (and thusly energy) doing so. Here the CR.42 can find its figthing edge. Being slightly more aerodynamic and heavier which fortunately offset by a stronger engine, the CR.42 can either power through the early turns taking a few hits in the process, ''or'' perform advanced aerobatic maneuvers. Such include a combiantion of high and low Yo-Yos to abuse the superior energy retention, or a Split-S to gain speed for altitude, hoping that the enemy biplane either reaches terminal speeds (RB and SB only), has their controls locked up, or yourself can run away safely to initiate a new attack. Due to the excellent stall characteristics of many biplanes, Boom and Zoom tactics can quite literally 'back' fire.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was [[Marcolin's C.R.42 CN (Germany)|originally]] introduced in the German tech tree as a premium vehicle and is still available to those who unlocked it, however it was moved to the Italian tech tree as a gift vehicle in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Its armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. The C.R.42 usually fights early [[P-36A|P-36]]s and [[LaGG-3-8|LaGG-3]]s. As such, the majority of aircraft the C.R.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. Your best chances are climbing medium altitude, and lure fighters into turning combat. The majority of pilots underestimate biplanes, allowing you to score critical damage before they realize it's too late to retreat. By that time, the damage is usually severe enough that they cannot accelerate away from you quickly enough to escape further damage. Against other biplanes the CR.42 works best in extended dogfights, since you can retain energy better than other biplanes like the I-15 and Gladiator MK.II.
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For the armament, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft; generally you want to use ''Tracers'', ''Air targets'' or ''Stealth'' since they are the belts that deal the most damage. Shell velocity is low, hence they suffer above 300 meters, so only fire at or below that range for best effects. Furthermore, much like the other Italian fighters, the armament is woefully inadequate to deal with bombers, hence it is best to avoid them entirely, or focus on taking out the engines. Only exception are the very early biplane bombers, such as [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]], [[Po-2]] and the like.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|}
 
|}
  
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As one of the last generation of biplane fighters, the CR.42 incorporates many advantages , but also disadvantages of said built. Notably a low stall speed, predicating it for [[Turn & Burn|turn fights]]. Climb speed is good to great, but cannot compare to many later fighters ([[:Category:Second_rank_aircraft|Rank II]]). Another advantage gained is the ''relatively'' high break speeds of ~570 km/h IAS and the late lock up speed of 450 IAS for the elevator. The top speed is good for [[:Category:First_rank_aircraft|Rank I]], but only reached after a short dive and quickly dwindles with damage received.
+
As one of the last generation of biplane fighters, the CR.42 incorporates many advantages , but also disadvantages of said built. Notably a low stall speed, predicating it for [[Turn & Burn|turn fights]]. Climb speed is good to great, but cannot compare to many later fighters ([[:Category:Second_rank_aircraft|Rank II]]). Another advantage gained is the relatively high break speeds of ~570 km/h IAS and the late lock up speed of 450 IAS for the elevator. The top speed is good for [[:Category:First_rank_aircraft|Rank I]], but only reached after a short dive and quickly dwindles with damage received.
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | Features
+
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~13 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~16 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
−
Biplanes by design have a lot of surface and consquently have plenty of aircraft to be shot at. This makes them feel more vulnerable than they really are, although again: They are fairly big, hard to miss targets, so the feeling ''is'' justified. Even more so as the fabric skin is easily damaged by small arms fire. The change to a aluminium monocoque fuselage design was linked with an increase in armament size for a reason. However, here lies a great advantage: Many explosive triggers and fuzes have their detonation sensitivies set to metall skins, not fabric ones, so they may just whizzle through your craft, leaving only two 20 mm sized holes.
+
Biplanes by design have a lot of surface and consequently have plenty of aircraft to be shot at. This makes them feel more vulnerable than they really are, although again: They are fairly big, hard to miss targets, so the feeling is justified. Even more so as the fabric skin is easily damaged by small arms fire. The change to a aluminium monocoque fuselage design was linked with an increase in armament size for a reason. However, here lies a great advantage: Many explosive triggers and fuses have their detonation sensitivities set to metal skins, not fabric ones, so they may just whizzle through your craft, leaving only two 20 mm sized holes.
  
 
The CR.42 in itself features no armour. Only the air cooled rotary engines is rather durable due to lacking any water-cooling and by design.
 
The CR.42 in itself features no armour. Only the air cooled rotary engines is rather durable due to lacking any water-cooling and by design.
  
−
Ace tip: ''Don't get shot!''
 
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
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{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}
  
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
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'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
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The two machine guns are both mounted on the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.
 
The two machine guns are both mounted on the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.
  
−
The center lined armament is always a great advantage. However compared to other nation's fighter crafts with their fast firing 7.7 mm machine guns, the BREDA's slower rate of fire offsets the gained advantage in claibre size and explosive ammunition (IAI).
+
The center lined armament is always a great advantage. However compared to other nations' fighters with their fast firing 7.7 mm machine guns, the Breda's slower rate of fire offsets the gained advantage in calibre size and explosive ammunition (IAI).
−
 
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
In AB, the C.R.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early rank matches. Therefore turning is the most appropriate tactic. However, due to the high climb rate, Boom & Zoom can be effective, as most monoplanes cannot nearly climb as fast.
 
In AB, the C.R.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early rank matches. Therefore turning is the most appropriate tactic. However, due to the high climb rate, Boom & Zoom can be effective, as most monoplanes cannot nearly climb as fast.
  
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 12 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="5" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary ammo
 
* Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary ammo
  
−
'''Cons'''
+
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor energy retention
 
* Poor energy retention
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== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The C.R.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their C.R.32 design, which was deployed during the Spanish Civil War with great success. The new fighter would be of all metal construction, with Fiat's new, home-grown A.74 supercharged radial engine. The result, was a fast, accurate, and manoeuvrable platform, that, while outdated at the onset of World War Two, would be almost the pinnacle of biplane design.
 
The C.R.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their C.R.32 design, which was deployed during the Spanish Civil War with great success. The new fighter would be of all metal construction, with Fiat's new, home-grown A.74 supercharged radial engine. The result, was a fast, accurate, and manoeuvrable platform, that, while outdated at the onset of World War Two, would be almost the pinnacle of biplane design.
  
−
Early in the war, C.R.42's were used with some success as escorts, night fighters, and even interceptors. Against the early Hurricanes and Spitfires, Italian and German pilots both were delighted to find that the manoeuvrability of the Falco put it, at the least, on par in a dogfight. However as the war dragged on, and enemy aircraft became faster, the C.R.42 was relegated to night harassment, light ground attack, and sparingly used as night fighters.
+
Early in the war, C.R.42s were used with some success as escorts, night fighters, and even interceptors. Against the early Hurricanes and Spitfires, Italian and German pilots both were delighted to find that the manoeuvrability of the Falco put it, at the least, on par in a dogfight. However as the war dragged on, and enemy aircraft became faster, the C.R.42 was relegated to night harassment, light ground attack, and sparingly used as night fighters.
  
−
The C.R.42 is also credited with the world's last aerial combat biplane kill. A group of C.R.42's based in Croatia under the command of ''Nachtschlachtgruppe 7'' were directed to Grabovica Airfield for a strafing mission. However, the flight was redirected at the last moment to a harassment mission Northwest of Sisak, where they were intercepted by P-38's of the 14th Fighter Group. Three Fiats were lost for two P-38's, one of which was claimed by an unknown German pilot.
+
The C.R.42 is also credited with the world's last aerial combat biplane kill. A group of C.R.42s based in Croatia under the command of Nachtschlachtgruppe 7 were directed to Grabovica Airfield for a strafing mission. However, the flight was redirected at the last moment to a harassment mission Northwest of Sisak, where they were intercepted by P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group. Three Fiats were lost for two P-38s, one of which was claimed by an unknown German pilot.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|-ept9p6L228|'''Premium Review, {{PAGENAME}} Falco. A fun learners Aircraft''' - ''Joseph 2000''|pL3_Xd7eWNI|'''Premium Review: {{PAGENAME}} [Solid]'''  - ''Jengar''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|-ept9p6L228|'''Premium Review. Marcolin's CR.42 Falco. A fun learners Aircraft''' - ''Joseph 2000''|pL3_Xd7eWNI|'''Premium Review: Marcolin's C.R. 42 CN [Solid]'''  - ''Jengar''|ct0W4y6evng|'''History of CR.42 (sub eng)''' - ''Pazzo1972 & Miki''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 235: Line 189:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
;Related development
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
* {{Specs-Link|fiat_cr42_marcolin}}
 
−
* [[CR.42]]
 
−
* {{Specs-Link|fiat_cr42}}
 
−
* [[J11]]
 
  
−
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
 
* [[CR.32 (Family)]]
 
* [[CR.32 (Family)]]
  
Line 249: Line 198:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[wikipedia:Fiat_CR.42|[Wikipedia] Fiat CR.42]]
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/445727-fiat-cr42/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
  
−
{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
 
{{Italy fighters}}
 
{{Italy fighters}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 01:31, 19 April 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the premium Italian fighter Marcolin's C.R.42 CN. For other versions, see C.R.42 (Family).
Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy.png
GarageImage Marcolin's C.R.42 CN.jpg
ArtImage Marcolin's C.R.42 CN.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/4/48/Cockpit_fiat_cr42_marcolin_italy.jpg
Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.3 1.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The CR.42 was an attempt by FIAT to modernize the CR.32 that saw great success in the Spanish Civil War. The CR.42 would also be an excellent biplane and was considered the best biplane of World War II by many experts and analists. Even though it was outdated, in early World War II it saw some success as an escort fighter, night fighter and even interceptor, it was even capable of dogfighting with some of the early variants of the Hurricane and Spitfire. When the war progressed the CR.42 was relegated to night bombing, light ground attacker or patrol. One of the most influential pilots of the night fighter variant of the CR.42 (The CR.42 CN) was the Italian pilot Luciano Marcolin, the commanding officer of the 377a Squadriglia Autonoma.

The Marcolin's C.R.42 CN was originally introduced in the German tech tree as a premium vehicle and is still available to those who unlocked it, however it was moved to the Italian tech tree as a gift vehicle in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica". The Marcolin's C.R.42 CN possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Its armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. The C.R.42 usually fights early P-36s and LaGG-3s. As such, the majority of aircraft the C.R.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. Your best chances are climbing medium altitude, and lure fighters into turning combat. The majority of pilots underestimate biplanes, allowing you to score critical damage before they realize it's too late to retreat. By that time, the damage is usually severe enough that they cannot accelerate away from you quickly enough to escape further damage. Against other biplanes the CR.42 works best in extended dogfights, since you can retain energy better than other biplanes like the I-15 and Gladiator MK.II.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 200 m429 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude8 500 m
EngineFiat A74
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight2 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 413 402 8500 20.0 20.6 14.2 14.2 294
Upgraded 448 429 18.5 19.2 21.1 17.2

As one of the last generation of biplane fighters, the CR.42 incorporates many advantages , but also disadvantages of said built. Notably a low stall speed, predicating it for turn fights. Climb speed is good to great, but cannot compare to many later fighters (Rank II). Another advantage gained is the relatively high break speeds of ~570 km/h IAS and the late lock up speed of 450 IAS for the elevator. The top speed is good for Rank I, but only reached after a short dive and quickly dwindles with damage received.

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
578 580 N/A N/A N/A ~16 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 280 < 240 < 450 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,300 m 828 hp 973 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural578 km/h
Gear580 km/h

Biplanes by design have a lot of surface and consequently have plenty of aircraft to be shot at. This makes them feel more vulnerable than they really are, although again: They are fairly big, hard to miss targets, so the feeling is justified. Even more so as the fabric skin is easily damaged by small arms fire. The change to a aluminium monocoque fuselage design was linked with an increase in armament size for a reason. However, here lies a great advantage: Many explosive triggers and fuses have their detonation sensitivities set to metal skins, not fabric ones, so they may just whizzle through your craft, leaving only two 20 mm sized holes.

The CR.42 in itself features no armour. Only the air cooled rotary engines is rather durable due to lacking any water-cooling and by design.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB364 Sl icon.png
RB109 Sl icon.png
SB519 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 860 Rp icon.png
485 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 100 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
100 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_belt_pack
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
safat12_new_gun
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)

Marcolin's C.R.42 CN is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The two machine guns are both mounted on the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot and fire through the propeller arc. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty.

The center lined armament is always a great advantage. However compared to other nations' fighters with their fast firing 7.7 mm machine guns, the Breda's slower rate of fire offsets the gained advantage in calibre size and explosive ammunition (IAI).

Usage in battles

In AB, the C.R.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early rank matches. Therefore turning is the most appropriate tactic. However, due to the high climb rate, Boom & Zoom can be effective, as most monoplanes cannot nearly climb as fast.

As in real-life the Falco faces off advanced mono-wing designs. While a grim view at first the C.R.42 is the pinnacle of biplane evolution, only rivalled by the up-gunned Chaika series. Common opponents are faster and have superior armament. However, the C.R.42 has got traits to counter. It is immensely agile, and can easily out-manoeuvre any monoplane in Rank I. Turning is thus an appropriate tactic for the C.R.42. Due to it being a biplane, the Falco can also be used to effectively rope-a-dope enemy aircraft. Stall fighting is one of the strongest play styles, albeit the slowest and hardest to master.

Even Boom & Zoom is feasible, as altitude can be gained quickly; however, the lack of cannon armament forces the pilot to use significant trigger control as well as aiming when diving and attacking opponents at a lower level. If BnZing, watch your speed in a dive. The C.R.42 does have a limit of around 440 - 480 km/h (274 - 300 mph) before instability sets in.

The Breda SAFAT .50 calibre MGs are actually very effective for their BR. Tracers are by far the best belt for these main armament, due to the presence of entirely API-T rounds, which easily set fire to enemy planes and provide good penetration and damage capability. Due to the MGs being placed in the centre cowl, they provide heavy damage when fire is focused on your opponent's wings or engines. Unfortunately, MGs in general are ridiculously weak against bombers.

Visibility is normal for a biplane. Rearward vistas are non-existent while forward vision is hampered by the second strut/wing. The open cockpit does provide decent visibility in general, though.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High speed for a biplane
  • Good ammunition count
  • Manoeuvrability is sufficient to out turn nearly all non biplane opponents
  • Well armed for a biplane
  • Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary ammo

Cons:

  • Poor energy retention
  • Lightly armed compared to most of the opposition it is faced with
  • No options for striking heavy targets
  • Turn rate is worse than of most biplanes
  • Poor armour protection

History

The C.R.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their C.R.32 design, which was deployed during the Spanish Civil War with great success. The new fighter would be of all metal construction, with Fiat's new, home-grown A.74 supercharged radial engine. The result, was a fast, accurate, and manoeuvrable platform, that, while outdated at the onset of World War Two, would be almost the pinnacle of biplane design.

Early in the war, C.R.42s were used with some success as escorts, night fighters, and even interceptors. Against the early Hurricanes and Spitfires, Italian and German pilots both were delighted to find that the manoeuvrability of the Falco put it, at the least, on par in a dogfight. However as the war dragged on, and enemy aircraft became faster, the C.R.42 was relegated to night harassment, light ground attack, and sparingly used as night fighters.

The C.R.42 is also credited with the world's last aerial combat biplane kill. A group of C.R.42s based in Croatia under the command of Nachtschlachtgruppe 7 were directed to Grabovica Airfield for a strafing mission. However, the flight was redirected at the last moment to a harassment mission Northwest of Sisak, where they were intercepted by P-38s of the 14th Fighter Group. Three Fiats were lost for two P-38s, one of which was claimed by an unknown German pilot.

Media

Skins
Videos
Premium Review. Marcolin's CR.42 Falco. A fun learners Aircraft - Joseph 2000
Premium Review: Marcolin's C.R. 42 CN [Solid] - Jengar
History of CR.42 (sub eng) - Pazzo1972 & Miki

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Fiat Aviation (Fiat Aviazione)
Fighters  CR.32 · CR.32 bis · CR.32 quater
  CR.42 · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
  G.50 serie 2 · G.50 AS serie 7
  G.55 sottoserie 0 · G.55 serie 1 · G.55S
  G.56
Jet fighters  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
  ▄F-86K*
  ▄F-104G* · F-104S* · F-104S.ASA* · ▄F-104S TAF*
Strike aircraft  F.C.20 Bis
Bombers  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Export/Captured  J11 · ▀CR.42
  ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7
  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4 · G.91 R/4
  *Licensed
See also  North American Aviation · Lockheed Martin

Italy fighters
Fiat  CR.32 · CR.32 bis · CR.32 quater · CR.42 · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
  G.50 serie 2 · G.50 AS serie 7
  G.55 sottoserie 0 · G.55 serie 1 · G.55S · G.56
Reggiane  Re.2000 G.A. · Re.2000 serie 1
  Re.2001 serie 1 · Re.2001 gruppo 22 · Re.2001 CB · Re.2001 CN
  Re.2002 Early
  Re.2005 serie 0
Macchi  C. 200 serie 3 · C. 200 serie 7
  C. 202 · C. 202D · C. 202EC
  C. 205 serie 1 · C. 205 serie 3 · C. 205N2
IMAM  Ro.44
  Foreign:
Germany  ▄Bf 109 G-14/AS
USA  ▄P-47D-30
Britain  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop
Hungary  ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · ◔Yak-9P
Romania  He 112 B-1/U2 · IAR-81C

Italy premium aircraft
Fighters  CR.32 bis · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · He 112 B-1/U2 · Re.2001 gruppo 22
  C. 202D · IAR-81C · ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · G.55S
Jet fighters  Ariete · G.91 R/4 · ▄F-104S TAF
Strike aircraft  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Ro.57 Quadriarma
  AMX A-1A

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