Fiat CR-32 Chirri

A biplane with wings of unequal span resulting from development of the CR-30, using the same fabric covered tubular metal structure - aluminium for the wings, steel and aluminium for the fuselage. W-type Warren bracing was used between the wings. The CR-32 was of smaller dimensions and had improved manoeuvrability and performance.

The spatted, wide track, fixed undercarriage had hydraulic shock absorbers and pneumatic brakes. Like its predecessor it was designed by Celestino Rosatelli, and the prototype, (M.M. 201), first flew on 28th April 1933. Series production began a year later. It was an immediate success, and a large export order book followed.

The engine was an in-line V-12 Fiat A 30 R. A. bis developing 600 H.P. at take off. Armament was initially two Breda-Safat 7,7 mm. machine guns.

       It was produced in four very similar versions: the CR-32 and CR-32 quater with two machine guns, and the CR-32 bis, with four.

The CR-32 formed the backbone of the Aviazione Legionaria and around 400 were operating in the skies over Spain from August 1936, equipping nationalist fighter units 2G3 and 3G3 as well as five Italian groups (Gamba di Ferro, Cucaracha, Asso di Bastoni, Frecce and Balearii).

The first twelve examples went to units in revolt in North Africa, specifically Melilla. The first patrol arrived in Seville on 18th August and operated at C�rdoba on the 20th, achieving its first aerial victory over a Nieuport 52, followed by the shooting down of a Dewoitine 371 on the 27th over the airfield at Guadix. In September in Seville the losses suffered by the 1st squadron commanded by the Italian Dequal were made good. With this unit flew Morato, Salas and Salvador, later joined by Garc�a Pando. In November the unit became a group of three squadrons, and another independent unit was established by Morato.

DETAILS:
POWER PLANT 600 HP
WINGSPAN 9,5 m.
LENGTH 7,45 m.
HEIGHT 2,63 m.
WING AREA 22,10 m2.
EMPTY WEIGHT 1450 kg.
ALL UP WEIGHT 1.900 kg.
WING LOADING 87,7 kg./m.2
MAX. SPEED (at 3.500m.) 354 km./h.
CRUISING SPEED 316.km/h.
LANDING SPEED 105 km/h.
COMBAT CEILING 7.700 m.
RANGE 780 km.

The CR-32 was faster in level flight and in a dive than the Chato (I-15), and compared with the Mosca (I-16) it was more manoeuvrable and more heavily armed.
By employing superior tactics with this aircraft the nationalist pilots outflew the fighters on the republican side.

Italian pilots scored 300 victories, themselves losing 132 aircraft - of which 73 in combat. They were decorated with the collective Military Medal.

The Fiats flown by Spanish pilots received serial numbers 3-51 to 3-177, and those handed over by the Italians after the war continued in sequence (3-178 to 3-292), except two which were rebuilt later and numbered 3-393 and 3-394.

After the war Hispano Aviaci�n built 100 CR-32s under the designation HA-132 L. Thirty one of these were converted into two-seaters. The final examples remained in service until 1957.