Difference between revisions of "CR.32 bis"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=cr_32_bis
 
|code=cr_32_bis
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|market=CR.32 bis
 
|market=CR.32 bis
 
}}
 
}}
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== 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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]] along with the Italian aviation tree.
+
After the development of the [[CR.32]], an improvement of the aircraft was requested. In particular, two 7.7 mm machine guns were added, which increased the weight, though it was accepted by the pilots despite the loss of manoeuvrability and speed. 328 examples were produced from April 1936 until July 1937, and 45 of these were sold to Austria. These CR.32 were used in the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria with great success, proving to be deadlier than other biplanes also in service like the I-15, and even the I-16. They also served during World War II where they were later replaced with the more powerful [[CR.42 (Family)|CR.42]] and relegated to training or used for civilian purposes.
 +
 
 +
Added with the introduction of the Italian aircraft tech tree as a [[wt:en/news/4671-italian-aircraft-in-war-thunder-update-1-69-regia-aeronautica-en|premium pre-order pack]] for [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], it was removed from the store after the [[wt:en/news/5079-special-hurry-up-and-get-rare-packs-en|5th Anniversary sale]] but came back in the [[Warbonds]] shop as part of the first trophy chest in [[wt:en/news/5432-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|April 2018]] until the end of [[Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur"]]. The CR.32 bis is an improved version of the CR.32 and CR.32 quater. The main improvement is the firepower. The aircraft has a very similar flight performance to other biplanes, with very good turning speed, weak engines, very low energy retention and a low stall spead, they are also easier to fly in simulator battles, since they are usually more stable. The improved armament is a game changer, since it now has access to 12.7mm HMGs that are very lethal against other biplanes and also against early monoplanes like the Hurricane and I-16, although to a lesser extent. The most critical aspects of the CR.32 bis are the overall mediocre flight performance, the poor roll rate and the telescopic gunsight which is extremely hard to use in Simulator.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
Being essentially an upgunned reserve plane, the CR.32 bis' flight performance leaves much to be desired. While it can out turn most of monoplane fighters, the CR.32 bis will occasionally struggle to dogfight against most of biplanes (especially the [[I-15 (Family)|I-15]] series). Its slow top speed and very poor energy retention also restricting its dogfight capabilities.
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Being essentially an upgunned reserve plane, the CR.32 bis' flight performance leaves much to be desired. While it can outturn most monoplane fighters, the CR.32 bis will occasionally struggle to dogfight against most of biplanes (especially the [[I-15 (Family)|I-15]] series). Its slow top speed and very poor energy retention also restricting its dogfight capabilities.
  
 
On the plus side, the CR.32 bis retain its great diving speed of its reserve counterparts, coupled with increased performance at higher speed, this makes it very excel at boom-and-zoom tactics, capable of strafing enemy from above before retreating.
 
On the plus side, the CR.32 bis retain its great diving speed of its reserve counterparts, coupled with increased performance at higher speed, this makes it very excel at boom-and-zoom tactics, capable of strafing enemy from above before retreating.
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
The CR.32 bis is virtually similar to [[CR.32|its reserve counterpart]] with an exception of an additional 7.7 mm machine guns. While these machine guns provided extra kick to the opponents, at BR 1.7, the CR.32 bis will have to face a much faster and stronger monoplane fighers and bombers. Furthermore, its mediocre top speed at 1.0 BR is now considered terrible at 1.7 BR. This means you have to be more careful when engaging each targets.
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
 
+
The CR.32 bis is virtually similar to its reserve counterpart, the [[CR.32]] with the exception of 2 additional 7.7 mm machine guns.Equipped with air targets belt, it can easily set other planes on fire. The only downsides of the plane are the lack of protection and speed. While these machine guns provided extra kick to the opponents, the CR.32 bis will have to face much faster and stronger opponents: monoplane fighers and bombers. The best way to use the CR.32 BIS is by playing as a support. As a biplane, you can easily outturn most opponents. The recommended tactic is to always have an altitude advantage over your enemies. Do not turn too much and fire your machine gun in bursts as you have limited ammo, this means you have to be more careful when engaging targets. With a top level speed of only 380 km/h, the CR.32 will be usually outrun by most opponents it faces. Instead, climb to much higher altitude, then use its surprisingly fast dive speed to execute boom-and-zoom attack to kill an unsuspecting opponents. While it can dogfight against monoplanes to some extent, the CR.32 bis' poor energy retention will eventually catch up and slow down the plane significantly, be decisive and strike at enemy weak points (engines, pilot, etc.) to finish them off as fast as possible.
−
With a top level speed of only 380 km/h, the CR.32 bis will be usually outrunned by most opponents it face. Instead, climb to higher altitude, then use its surprisingly fast dive speed to execute boom-and-zoom attack to kill an unsuspecting opponents. While it can dogfight against monoplanes to some extent, the CR.32 bis' poor energy retention will eventually caught up and slow down the plane significantly, be decisive and strike at enemy weak points (engines, pilot, etc.) to finish them off as fast as possible.
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Good offensive capabilities
 
* Good offensive capabilities
 
** 12.7 mm MGs are great for knocking out pilots and penetrating enemy armour plates
 
** 12.7 mm MGs are great for knocking out pilots and penetrating enemy armour plates
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Overall mediocre flight performance
 
* Overall mediocre flight performance
 
** Sluggish top speed
 
** Sluggish top speed
−
** Turns worse than some biplanes (eg. I-15) it faces
+
** Turns worse than some biplanes it faces
 
** Poor roll rate for a biplane
 
** Poor roll rate for a biplane
 
** Terrible energy retention, will lose a lot of energy while turning
 
** Terrible energy retention, will lose a lot of energy while turning
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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 CR.32 bis is virtually similar to what many people know as the [[CR.32]], the only exception for this nimble aircraft is of 2 additional 7.7 mm machine guns. The FIAT CR.32 fighter biplane was developed by Celestino Rosatelli, an Italian aeronautic engineer who designed various planes such as the CR.32, [[CR.32 quater]], [[CR.32 bis]], [[CR.42]], [[Marcolin's C.R.42 CN|CR.42 CN]], [[B.R.20DR]], [[B.R.20M M1]], and many more. After the development of the CR.30, Rosatelli modified it, changing the structure around the engine, the fuselage was the same as the CR.30 but without the supplementary tank, the armament constituted of 2 SAFAT 12.7 mm, and a transmitter, bomb thrower, or camera could be added. This plane was designated with serial number MM 201. Tested at Montecelio, the CR.30 (MM 201), later named CR.32, demonstrated as a perfect fighter and was the perfect conception of Italian fighter biplanes with a balance of manoeuvrability, performance, and military efficiency. In the mid thirties, the CR.32 was ordered by Regia Aeronautica, quickly replacing the CR.30, after which it was ordered by other nations. When the Second World War broke out, the CR.32 was already obsolete (and eventually replaced by the CR.42) but, in spite of that, it still equipped several fighter units. By 10 June 1940 the CR.32 was equipped for the following Gruppi Caccia (Fighters Groups): 24°Gruppo (52°Stormo) at Sarzana, 2°Gruppo at Grottaglie, 157°Gruppo (1°Stormo) at Trapani, 9°Gruppo at Monserrato, 160° at Tirana, 13°Gruppo (Partly) at Castelbenito (Libya), 8°Gruppo at Tobruk, 10°Gruppo at Benina and 163° Squadron at Rhodes. The first CR.32 to have been involved in military operations were those stationed in Libya, forty-odd machines being used mostly in ground attack missions together with the 50°Stormo's Breda 65s. The other front where the machine was used to the last example was Eastern Africa, fighting highly superior machines, such as [[Blenheim Mk IV|Blenheims]] and [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricanes]]. The old biplane closely followed the alternate phases of the campaign, from Italian advance into Egypt to the loss of Cyrenaica, they were widely used fairly successfully with various bomb types until January 1941. After the conquest of Crete in May 1941, CR.32s were relegated to fighting training duties. The CR.32 was used by Italy, China, Spain, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Venezuela and Paraguay. After the CR.32, other variants were created: CR.32 Bis, CR.32 ter, CR.32 Quater, CR.32 Quater CN, CR.32 Quater AS, CR.32 Serie 2. The CR.32 also had amazing characteristics which allowed the aircraft to be used by Aerobatic Teams from 1936 to 1939 in various aeronautic events.The 4°Stormo was first in exhibiting in 1936 in Rome with a ten-machine patrol. 1936 also marked the rebirth of 6°Stormo Caccia, equipped with CR.32s, which soon established an aerobatic patrol of its own at its bases at Campoformido and Gorizia.From 1937 to 1939 the Aerobatic Teams did aeronautic events in Budapest, Zurich, Perù, Chile, Argentine, Brazil, and finally Berlin.
 +
 
 +
'''Spanish Civil War'''
 +
 
 +
The CR.32 had its baptism of fire in the Spanish skies, the first twelve machines arrived by steamer at Melilla, Morocco, on 14 August 1936 and, together with the nine SIAI SM.81 arrived on 28 July, were incorporated into l'Aviacion de el Tercio. At the end of August, after further batches of CR.32s had arrived, the "Cucaracha" squadron was established at Cacéres, late to became the XVI Gruppo Caccia. In April 1937, the XVI Gruppo were joined by XXIII Gruppo "Asso di Bastoni" and VI Gruppo "Gamba di Ferro", after CR.32 was used by X Gruppo Caccia "Baleari" and the Squadron "Frecce". Thanks to the CR.32, the Legion's fighters quickly established supremacy over the red air forces, but in November a new fighter, the Polikarpov I-15, appeared and the battles with CR.32 were harder to win. After came the I-16, much faster than the CR.32, and the pilots of CR.32 were unable to fully exploit all the capabilities of their mounts and to follow the dog-fighting manoeuvres imposed by the nimbler FIAT biplane.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cr_32_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cr_32_bis Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 +
 
 +
;Other CR.32s:
 +
 
 +
* [[CR.32]]
 +
* [[CR.32 quater]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
 
 +
* [https://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=344 [<nowiki>World War 2 Database]</nowiki> CR.32] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211023164145/https://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=344 Archive])
 +
* [https://comandosupremo.com/fiat-cr32/ [<nowiki>Comando Supremo]</nowiki> Fiat CR.32 Biplane Fighter] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211023164250/https://comandosupremo.com/fiat-cr32/ Archive])
 +
* [http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_fiat_cr32.html [<nowiki>History of War]</nowiki> Fiat CR.32] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211023164425/http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_fiat_cr32.html Archive])
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
 
{{Italy fighters}}
 
{{Italy fighters}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 05:32, 27 November 2023

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Italian fighter CR.32 bis. For other versions, see CR.32 (Family).
CR.32 bis
cr_32_bis.png
GarageImage CR.32 bis.jpg
ArtImage CR.32 bis.jpg
CR.32 bis
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

After the development of the CR.32, an improvement of the aircraft was requested. In particular, two 7.7 mm machine guns were added, which increased the weight, though it was accepted by the pilots despite the loss of manoeuvrability and speed. 328 examples were produced from April 1936 until July 1937, and 45 of these were sold to Austria. These CR.32 were used in the Spanish Civil War with the Aviazione Legionaria with great success, proving to be deadlier than other biplanes also in service like the I-15, and even the I-16. They also served during World War II where they were later replaced with the more powerful CR.42 and relegated to training or used for civilian purposes.

Added with the introduction of the Italian aircraft tech tree as a premium pre-order pack for Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica", it was removed from the store after the 5th Anniversary sale but came back in the Warbonds shop as part of the first trophy chest in April 2018 until the end of Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur". The CR.32 bis is an improved version of the CR.32 and CR.32 quater. The main improvement is the firepower. The aircraft has a very similar flight performance to other biplanes, with very good turning speed, weak engines, very low energy retention and a low stall spead, they are also easier to fly in simulator battles, since they are usually more stable. The improved armament is a game changer, since it now has access to 12.7mm HMGs that are very lethal against other biplanes and also against early monoplanes like the Hurricane and I-16, although to a lesser extent. The most critical aspects of the CR.32 bis are the overall mediocre flight performance, the poor roll rate and the telescopic gunsight which is extremely hard to use in Simulator.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 100 m356 km/h
Turn time14 s
Max altitude8 500 m
EngineFiat A30 Bis
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight2 t

Being essentially an upgunned reserve plane, the CR.32 bis' flight performance leaves much to be desired. While it can outturn most monoplane fighters, the CR.32 bis will occasionally struggle to dogfight against most of biplanes (especially the I-15 series). Its slow top speed and very poor energy retention also restricting its dogfight capabilities.

On the plus side, the CR.32 bis retain its great diving speed of its reserve counterparts, coupled with increased performance at higher speed, this makes it very excel at boom-and-zoom tactics, capable of strafing enemy from above before retreating.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 337 324 8500 14.9 15.5 4.9 4.9 150
Upgraded 365 356 13.6 14.0 14.9 9.2

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 + -
590 590 N/A N/A N/A ~15 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 300 < 300 > 190
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,600 m 591 hp 788 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural590 km/h
Gear590 km/h
  • No armour plates or bulletproof glass
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks located between engine and pilot

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB491 Sl icon.png
RB198 Sl icon.png
SB239 Sl icon.png
Crew training450 Sl icon.png
Experts3 000 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 30 / 70 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
safat7_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
safat7_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
safat12_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
safat12_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition700 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm), Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)

The CR.32 bis is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

The main (and only) difference between the CR.32 bis and its reserve counterparts is the addition of two 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns mounted on the wings. These guns provided extra firepower at close range, thought you might need to set convergence due to wing-mounted setup.

Usage in battles

The CR.32 bis is virtually similar to its reserve counterpart, the CR.32 with the exception of 2 additional 7.7 mm machine guns.Equipped with air targets belt, it can easily set other planes on fire. The only downsides of the plane are the lack of protection and speed. While these machine guns provided extra kick to the opponents, the CR.32 bis will have to face much faster and stronger opponents: monoplane fighers and bombers. The best way to use the CR.32 BIS is by playing as a support. As a biplane, you can easily outturn most opponents. The recommended tactic is to always have an altitude advantage over your enemies. Do not turn too much and fire your machine gun in bursts as you have limited ammo, this means you have to be more careful when engaging targets. With a top level speed of only 380 km/h, the CR.32 will be usually outrun by most opponents it faces. Instead, climb to much higher altitude, then use its surprisingly fast dive speed to execute boom-and-zoom attack to kill an unsuspecting opponents. While it can dogfight against monoplanes to some extent, the CR.32 bis' poor energy retention will eventually catch up and slow down the plane significantly, be decisive and strike at enemy weak points (engines, pilot, etc.) to finish them off as fast as possible.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good offensive capabilities
    • 12.7 mm MGs are great for knocking out pilots and penetrating enemy armour plates
    • 7.7 mm MGs provided extra firepower at close range and can be used to strafe soft targets
  • Excellent dive speed
    • Excellent high-speed performance
  • Surprisingly good turning against monoplane fighters
  • Fixed gear makes it easy to land
  • Durable airframe for a biplane
    • Effective self-sealing fuel tanks
  • In Simulator it almost never spins, allowing some really tight manoeuvres to be performed without danger

Cons:

  • Overall mediocre flight performance
    • Sluggish top speed
    • Turns worse than some biplanes it faces
    • Poor roll rate for a biplane
    • Terrible energy retention, will lose a lot of energy while turning
    • Fixed gear increases drag
  • No protection for the pilot
  • Uses a telescopic gunsight which is extremely hard to use in Simulator
  • Upper wing greatly obstructs the upward-forward view, a disadvantage in a Simulator dogfight

History

The CR.32 bis is virtually similar to what many people know as the CR.32, the only exception for this nimble aircraft is of 2 additional 7.7 mm machine guns. The FIAT CR.32 fighter biplane was developed by Celestino Rosatelli, an Italian aeronautic engineer who designed various planes such as the CR.32, CR.32 quater, CR.32 bis, CR.42, CR.42 CN, B.R.20DR, B.R.20M M1, and many more. After the development of the CR.30, Rosatelli modified it, changing the structure around the engine, the fuselage was the same as the CR.30 but without the supplementary tank, the armament constituted of 2 SAFAT 12.7 mm, and a transmitter, bomb thrower, or camera could be added. This plane was designated with serial number MM 201. Tested at Montecelio, the CR.30 (MM 201), later named CR.32, demonstrated as a perfect fighter and was the perfect conception of Italian fighter biplanes with a balance of manoeuvrability, performance, and military efficiency. In the mid thirties, the CR.32 was ordered by Regia Aeronautica, quickly replacing the CR.30, after which it was ordered by other nations. When the Second World War broke out, the CR.32 was already obsolete (and eventually replaced by the CR.42) but, in spite of that, it still equipped several fighter units. By 10 June 1940 the CR.32 was equipped for the following Gruppi Caccia (Fighters Groups): 24°Gruppo (52°Stormo) at Sarzana, 2°Gruppo at Grottaglie, 157°Gruppo (1°Stormo) at Trapani, 9°Gruppo at Monserrato, 160° at Tirana, 13°Gruppo (Partly) at Castelbenito (Libya), 8°Gruppo at Tobruk, 10°Gruppo at Benina and 163° Squadron at Rhodes. The first CR.32 to have been involved in military operations were those stationed in Libya, forty-odd machines being used mostly in ground attack missions together with the 50°Stormo's Breda 65s. The other front where the machine was used to the last example was Eastern Africa, fighting highly superior machines, such as Blenheims and Hurricanes. The old biplane closely followed the alternate phases of the campaign, from Italian advance into Egypt to the loss of Cyrenaica, they were widely used fairly successfully with various bomb types until January 1941. After the conquest of Crete in May 1941, CR.32s were relegated to fighting training duties. The CR.32 was used by Italy, China, Spain, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Venezuela and Paraguay. After the CR.32, other variants were created: CR.32 Bis, CR.32 ter, CR.32 Quater, CR.32 Quater CN, CR.32 Quater AS, CR.32 Serie 2. The CR.32 also had amazing characteristics which allowed the aircraft to be used by Aerobatic Teams from 1936 to 1939 in various aeronautic events.The 4°Stormo was first in exhibiting in 1936 in Rome with a ten-machine patrol. 1936 also marked the rebirth of 6°Stormo Caccia, equipped with CR.32s, which soon established an aerobatic patrol of its own at its bases at Campoformido and Gorizia.From 1937 to 1939 the Aerobatic Teams did aeronautic events in Budapest, Zurich, Perù, Chile, Argentine, Brazil, and finally Berlin.

Spanish Civil War

The CR.32 had its baptism of fire in the Spanish skies, the first twelve machines arrived by steamer at Melilla, Morocco, on 14 August 1936 and, together with the nine SIAI SM.81 arrived on 28 July, were incorporated into l'Aviacion de el Tercio. At the end of August, after further batches of CR.32s had arrived, the "Cucaracha" squadron was established at Cacéres, late to became the XVI Gruppo Caccia. In April 1937, the XVI Gruppo were joined by XXIII Gruppo "Asso di Bastoni" and VI Gruppo "Gamba di Ferro", after CR.32 was used by X Gruppo Caccia "Baleari" and the Squadron "Frecce". Thanks to the CR.32, the Legion's fighters quickly established supremacy over the red air forces, but in November a new fighter, the Polikarpov I-15, appeared and the battles with CR.32 were harder to win. After came the I-16, much faster than the CR.32, and the pilots of CR.32 were unable to fully exploit all the capabilities of their mounts and to follow the dog-fighting manoeuvres imposed by the nimbler FIAT biplane.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #45 - Pages of History section at 04:08 discusses the CR.32.

See also

Other CR.32s

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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