Difference between revisions of "CR.42 (Germany)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fiat_cr42}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=fiat_cr42}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| other
−
| link = C.R.42 (Family)
+
| usage-1 = the Italian version
 +
| link-1 = CR.42
 +
| usage-2 = other uses
 +
| link-2 = C.R.42 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_CR.42.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_CR.42.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter biplane {{Battle-rating}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29 in the [[:Category:Germany_aircraft|German aviation tree]]. In [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], the CR.42, as well as the other Italian planes in the German tree, were moved to the new [[:Category:Italy aircraft|Italian tree]], although it still exists in the German tree for those who unlocked it prior to Update 1.69.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German biplane fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 in the [[:Category:Germany aircraft|German aviation tree]]. In [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], the CR.42, as well as the other Italian planes in the German tree, were moved to the new [[:Category:Italy aircraft|Italian tree]], although it still exists in the German tree for those who unlocked it prior to the update.
  
−
The CR.42 is a Rank 1 biplane in the "German" Italian line of fighters. It possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. At 1.7BR, the CR.42 gets thrown with the likes of [[P-36A|P-36]]'s and [[LaGG-3-8|LaGG-3]]'s. As such, the majority of aircraft the CR.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. The best bet for survival, and securing kills, 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.
+
The CR.42 is a rank {{Specs|rank}} biplane in the "German" Italian line of fighters. It possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. Due to its BR, the CR.42 gets thrown with the likes of [[P-36 (Family)|P-36's]] and [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3's]]. As such, the majority of aircraft the CR.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. The best bet for survival, and securing kills, is to climb to about medium altitude and lure fighters into turning combat. An overwhelming majority of pilots are unwilling to run from a lowly biplane, allowing you to score critical damage before they realise 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.
  
 
For the armament, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft; generally, you want to use ''Tracers'', ''Anti-air'' 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. The only exceptions are the very early biplane bombers, such as [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]], [[Po-2]] and [[:Category:Light_bombers|the likes]].
 
For the armament, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft; generally, you want to use ''Tracers'', ''Anti-air'' 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. The only exceptions are the very early biplane bombers, such as [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]], [[Po-2]] and [[:Category:Light_bombers|the likes]].
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 410 || 402 || 8,500 || 20.2 || 20.6 || 12.6 || 14.3? || 294
+
| 413 || 402 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.6 || 14.2 || 14.2 || 294
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,200 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,200 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 449 || 429 || 8,500 || 18.3 || 19.2 || 23.9 || 17.2 || 294
+
| 447 || 429 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.5 || 19.2 || 21.1 || 17.2 || 294
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
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! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 580 || 450 || ??? || ~19 || ~19
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~13 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 380 || < 420 || < 420 || > 200
+
| < 280 || < 240 || < 450 || > 250
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,271 m || 856 hp || 1,001 hp  
+
| 4,300 m || 828 hp || 972 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
''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.''
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Breda-SAFAT da 12.7 mm (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda-SAFAT da 12.7 mm (12.7 mm)}}
  
−
The CR.42 (Germany) is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT da 12.7 mm machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (400 RPG = 800 total)
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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 CR.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early tier 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 CR.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early tier 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 CR.42 is the pinnacle of biplane evolution, only rivalled by the up-gunned [[I-153_M-62|Chaika]] series. Common opponents are faster and have a superior armament. However, the CR.42 has got traits to counter. It is immensely agile, and can easily out-manoeuvre any monoplane in 1<sup>st</sup> rank. Turning is thus an appropriate tactic for the CR.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.
+
As in real-life, the Falco faces off advanced mono-wing designs. While a grim view at first the CR.42 is the pinnacle of biplane evolution, only rivalled by the up-gunned [[I-153 M-62|Chaika]] series. Common opponents are faster and have a superior armament. However, the CR.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 CR.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.
 
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 Boom & Zooming, watch your speed in a dive. The CR.42 does have a limit of around 440~480 km/h (274~300 mph) before instability sets in.
+
If Boom & Zooming, watch your speed in a dive. The CR.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 battle rating. Tracers are by far the best belt for these main armaments, due to the presence of entirely APIT 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 the fire is focused on your opponent's wings or engines.
 
The Breda SAFAT .50 calibre MGs are actually very effective for their battle rating. Tracers are by far the best belt for these main armaments, due to the presence of entirely APIT 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 the fire is focused on your opponent's wings or engines.
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Unfortunately, MGs, in general, are ridiculously weak against bombers.
 
Unfortunately, MGs, in general, are ridiculously weak against bombers.
  
−
Visibility is normal for a biplane. Rearward vistas are nonexistent while frontward vision is hampered by the second strut/wing. The open cockpit does provide decent visibility in general, though.}}
+
Visibility is normal for a biplane. Rearward vistas are non-existent while frontward vision is hampered by the second strut/wing. The open cockpit does provide decent visibility in general, though.
  
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
−
Versus other biplanes, the Falco can rely on its top speed and should combat them in the very same fashion mono-planes use to fight them off. An exception to this rule is the aforementioned [[I-153_M-62|Chaika]], which is in most aspects on par with the CR.42. Against this Soviet fighter, either scissors or careful turn fights are advised.
+
Versus other biplanes, the Falco can rely on its top speed and should combat them in the very same fashion mono-planes use to fight them off. An exception to this rule is the aforementioned [[I-153 M-62|Chaika]], which is in most aspects on par with the CR.42. Against this Soviet fighter, either scissors or careful turn fights are advised.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
−
! Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
−
! Weaponry
+
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair, Radiator
+
| Fuselage repair
−
|  
+
| Radiator
 +
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
 +
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wing Repair, Engine
+
| Wings repair
−
|  
+
| Engine
 +
|
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
| Engine Injection
+
|
 +
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 
* High speed for a biplane
 
* High speed for a biplane
 
* Good ammunition count
 
* Good ammunition count
−
* Maneuverability is sufficient to out turn nearly all non-biplane opponents
+
* Manoeuvrability is sufficient to out turn nearly all non-biplane opponents
 
* Well armed for a biplane
 
* Well armed for a biplane
 
* Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary ammo
 
* Ammo belts use heavy amounts of incendiary ammo
Line 224: Line 215:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 
* Poor Energy Retention
 
* Poor Energy Retention
−
* Lightly armed compared to most of the opposition it is faced with
+
* Lightly armed compared to most of the opposition it faces
 
* No options for striking heavy targets
 
* No options for striking heavy targets
 
* Turn rate is worse than of most biplanes
 
* Turn rate is worse than of most biplanes
Line 230: Line 221:
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their CR.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, homegrown 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 CR.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their CR.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, homegrown 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.
  
Line 238: Line 229:
  
 
=== In-game description ===
 
=== In-game description ===
−
"The CR.42 Falco (“Falcon”) fighter plane had, for a biplane, excellent speed and handling, and is rightly considered one of the best biplanes of the Second World War.
+
The CR.42 Falco (“Falcon”) fighter plane had, for a biplane, excellent speed and handling, and is rightly considered one of the best biplanes of the Second World War.
  
 
Despite the fact that it was clear (even at the time of the prototype CR.42) that monoplanes would have an advantage in air battles, the Italian Air Force still gave the go-ahead for development and production of the biplane, which began to enter the service in 1939.
 
Despite the fact that it was clear (even at the time of the prototype CR.42) that monoplanes would have an advantage in air battles, the Italian Air Force still gave the go-ahead for development and production of the biplane, which began to enter the service in 1939.
Line 244: Line 235:
 
The sheathing of a greater part of the fuselage was made of duralumin, and the frame was built of steel pipes. The plane had smaller control surfaces and fuselage sections between the cab and tail to save weight and had fairings for the fixed main landing gear. An 840-horsepower engine was used for the CR.42. The first production version of the Falco was armed with two synchronous machine guns - one 12.7 mm and the other 7.7 mm.
 
The sheathing of a greater part of the fuselage was made of duralumin, and the frame was built of steel pipes. The plane had smaller control surfaces and fuselage sections between the cab and tail to save weight and had fairings for the fixed main landing gear. An 840-horsepower engine was used for the CR.42. The first production version of the Falco was armed with two synchronous machine guns - one 12.7 mm and the other 7.7 mm.
  
−
All in all, 1,781 CR.42 fighters were produced."
+
All in all, 1,781 CR.42 fighters were produced.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 257: Line 248:
 
''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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Germany fighters}}
 
{{Germany fighters}}

Revision as of 18:20, 22 May 2019

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
▀CR.42
fiat_cr42.png
▀CR.42
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.3 1.3
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
This page is about the fighter CR.42 (Germany). For the Italian version, see CR.42. For other uses, see C.R.42 (Family).

Description

GarageImage CR.42.jpg


The ▀CR.42 Falco is a rank I German biplane fighter with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB) and 1.3 (RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27 in the German aviation tree. In Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica", the CR.42, as well as the other Italian planes in the German tree, were moved to the new Italian tree, although it still exists in the German tree for those who unlocked it prior to the update.

The CR.42 is a rank I biplane in the "German" Italian line of fighters. It possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. Due to its BR, the CR.42 gets thrown with the likes of P-36's and LaGG-3's. As such, the majority of aircraft the CR.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. The best bet for survival, and securing kills, is to climb to about medium altitude and lure fighters into turning combat. An overwhelming majority of pilots are unwilling to run from a lowly biplane, allowing you to score critical damage before they realise 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.

For the armament, the same applies to all other Italian aircraft; generally, you want to use Tracers, Anti-air 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. The only exceptions are the very early biplane bombers, such as Swordfish, Po-2 and the likes.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
413 402 8500 20.0 20.6 14.2 14.2 294
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,200 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
447 429 8500 18.5 19.2 21.1 17.2 294

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
520 ~13 ~5
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 280 < 240 < 450 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,300 m 828 hp 972 hp

Survivability and 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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Breda-SAFAT da 12.7 mm (12.7 mm)

The CR.42 (Germany) is armed with:

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

Usage in battles

In AB, the CR.42 is nothing more than a point-and-shoot arcade-style plane. There is little skill involved at these early tier 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 CR.42 is the pinnacle of biplane evolution, only rivalled by the up-gunned Chaika series. Common opponents are faster and have a superior armament. However, the CR.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 CR.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 Boom & Zooming, watch your speed in a dive. The CR.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 battle rating. Tracers are by far the best belt for these main armaments, due to the presence of entirely APIT 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 the 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 frontward vision is hampered by the second strut/wing. The open cockpit does provide decent visibility in general, though.

Specific enemies worth noting

Versus other biplanes, the Falco can rely on its top speed and should combat them in the very same fashion mono-planes use to fight them off. An exception to this rule is the aforementioned Chaika, which is in most aspects on par with the CR.42. Against this Soviet fighter, either scissors or careful turn fights are advised.

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs
IV Engine injection Cover

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 faces
  • No options for striking heavy targets
  • Turn rate is worse than of most biplanes
  • Poor armour protection

History

The CR.42 was Fiat's attempt at modernizing their CR.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, homegrown 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, CR.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 CR.42 was relegated to night harassment, light ground attack, and sparingly used as night fighters.

The CR.42 is also credited with the world's last aerial combat biplane kill. A group of CR.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.

In-game description

The CR.42 Falco (“Falcon”) fighter plane had, for a biplane, excellent speed and handling, and is rightly considered one of the best biplanes of the Second World War.

Despite the fact that it was clear (even at the time of the prototype CR.42) that monoplanes would have an advantage in air battles, the Italian Air Force still gave the go-ahead for development and production of the biplane, which began to enter the service in 1939.

The sheathing of a greater part of the fuselage was made of duralumin, and the frame was built of steel pipes. The plane had smaller control surfaces and fuselage sections between the cab and tail to save weight and had fairings for the fixed main landing gear. An 840-horsepower engine was used for the CR.42. The first production version of the Falco was armed with two synchronous machine guns - one 12.7 mm and the other 7.7 mm.

All in all, 1,781 CR.42 fighters were produced.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


Germany fighters
Heinkel 
He 51  He 51 A-1 · He 51 B-1 · He 51 B-2/H · He 51 C-1 · He 51 C-1/L
He 100  He 100 D-1
He 112  He 112 A-0 · He 112 B-0 · He 112 B-1/U2 · He 112 B-2/U2 · He 112 V-5
Messerschmitt 
Bf 109 (Jumo)  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 C-1
Bf 109 (DB-601)  Bf 109 E-1 · Bf 109 E-3 · Bf 109 E-4 · Bf 109 E-7/U2 · Bf 109 F-1 · Bf 109 F-2 · Bf 109 F-4 · Bf 109 F-4/trop
Bf 109 (DB-605)  Bf 109 G-2/trop · Bf 109 G-2 · Bf 109 G-6 · Bf 109 G-10 · Bf 109 G-14 · Bf 109 K-4
Focke-Wulf 
Fw 190 (early)  Fw 190 A-1 · Fw 190 A-4 · Fw 190 A-5 · Fw 190 A-5 · Fw 190 A-5/U2 · Fw 190 A-5/U14 · Fw 190 A-8 · Fw 190 C
Fw 190 (late)  Fw 190 D-9 · Fw 190 D-12 · Fw 190 D-13
Ta 152  Ta 152 C-3 · Ta 152 H-1
Blohm & Voss 
BV 155  BV 155 B-1
  Captured:
USA  ▀P-47D-16-RE · ▀P-47D
USSR  ▀La-5FN · ▀Yak-1B
Britain  ▀Tempest Mk V
Italy 
CR.42  ▀CR.42 · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
G.50  ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7
C.200  ▀C. 200 serie 3 · ▀C. 200 serie 7
C.202  ▀C. 202
Finland  ▀Hawk H-75A-2

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