- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The Fiat CR.32 was a sturdy aircraft that shared a similar fuselage structure with the CR.30. It utilized a combination of aluminium and steel tubes covered by duraluminium. The undercarriage was fixed and equipped with hydraulic shock absorbers, while the wheels were housed in fairings and had pneumatic braking. The wings and tail also employed a mixed composition, resembling the fuselage, with aluminium alloy tubular spars and fabric covering. Inside the cockpit, there was an adjustable seat and a parachute, with the optional addition of the RA.80-1 radio set. Additional equipment included a fire extinguisher, gun camera, pilot’s oxygen system, optical gunsight, and survey camera. The armament consisted of Breda-SAFAT machine guns, each with a capacity of 350 rounds, and later on, the aircraft could be fitted with hard points for carrying up to 12 5lb bombs.
Powering the CR.32 was a single water-cooled Fiat A.30 R.A. V12 engine, which was designed in 1930. This engine could generate a maximum output of 447 kW at 2,600 rpm. It operated on a fuel mixture consisting of 55% petrol, 23% ethanol, and 22% benzol. The main fuel tank had a capacity of 325 liters, and an auxiliary tank was strategically positioned in a streamlined fairing located in the center of the upper wing.
China purchased 24 CR.32’s from Fiat Company and had them sent to Shanghai for assembly in early 1935. During the initial stages of the Sino-Japanese War, these aircraft were utilized by the 8th Squadron of the 3rd Battalion of the Air Force. On August 15th, 1937, the Chinese Air Force’s 3rd and 5th Groups launched a joint attack on the Kisarazu Air Field of the Japanese Naval Air Force in Nanjing, successfully downing two Mitsubishi Type 96 planes.
Unfortunately, due to a shortage of spare parts, the CR.32’s suffered significant losses in various battles. By the time Nanjing was captured, the aircraft were either inoperable or completely destroyed.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 1
Length - 7.47 m
Height - 2.63 m
Wingspan - 9.5 m
Empty weight - 1,455 kg
Gross weight - 1,975 kg
Powerplant - 1 × Fiat A.30 R.A.bis piston engine (447 kW)
Max Speed - 360 km/h
Rate of Climb - 9 m/s
Service Ceiling - 8,800 m
Range - 760 km
Armament
2 x 12.7mm Breda-Safat Machine Guns
Or 2 x 7.7mm Vickers Machine Guns (?)
Or 2 x 12.7mm Breda-Safat + 2 x 7.7m Vickers Machine Guns (?)
(?) some sources suggest that the 12.7mm was replaced with the Vickers Machine Guns, and one source suggests that the 7.7mm’s was additionally mounted alongside the 12.7mms.
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) Encyclopedia of Chinese Aircraft, Vol 1. - Page 28 - 29