Top 5 Italian WWII Fighters Manufactured by Fiat During WWII

During World War II, Italy developed several fighter aircraft to strengthen its military aviation capabilities. Fiat, an Italian company best known for its cars, also made significant contributions to the Italian Air Force by producing various fighter planes. Here are the top five Italian WWII fighters manufactured by Fiat. These planes played important roles during the war and showcased Italy’s engineering skills.

Fiat BR.20 Cicogna

The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna was a twin-engine medium bomber that saw extensive use during the war. It was one of Italy’s first modern bombers and entered service in 1936. The BR.20 could carry a sizeable bomb load and had defensive machine guns mounted in several positions to protect it from enemy fighters. Although it was initially successful, the BR.20 became outdated as the war progressed. Still, it served in various missions and was used by several countries, including Japan and Spain.

Fiat G.56

The Fiat G.56 was an advanced fighter plane developed later in the war. It was an improved version of the earlier Fiat G.55 and was designed to be faster and more powerful. The G.56 had a sleek design and was equipped with a strong engine that allowed it to reach higher speeds and altitudes. This fighter was also armed with 20mm cannons and machine guns, making it a formidable opponent in air combat. However, only a few prototypes were built, and the G.56 did not see widespread action before the war ended.

Fiat G.50 Freccia (‘Arrow’)

The Fiat G.50 Freccia, also known as “Arrow,” was Italy’s first all-metal monoplane fighter with an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear. It entered service in 1937 and was used extensively during the conflict. The G.50 was relatively fast and had good maneuverability, making it a reliable fighter in dogfights. It was armed with machine guns and could also carry bombs for ground-attack missions. Despite its early success, the G.50 eventually became less effective compared to newer enemy fighters, but it remained in service throughout the war.

Fiat CR.42 Falco (‘Falcon’)

The Fiat CR.42 Falco, or “Falcon,” was a biplane fighter that saw action during World War II. Even though biplanes were becoming outdated, the CR.42 was known for its excellent agility and robust structure. It entered service in 1939 and was used in various roles, including ground attack and night fighting. The Falco had an open cockpit and was armed with two 12.7mm machine guns. It served in many theaters of the war, from North Africa to the Eastern Front, and even participated in the Battle of Britain. The CR.42 was highly regarded by its pilots for its reliability and ease of handling.

Fiat G.55 Centauro (‘Centaur’)

The Fiat G.55 Centauro, or “Centaur,” was one of Italy’s most advanced fighters during the latter part of the war. It featured a powerful engine, a streamlined design, and heavy armament, including 20mm cannons and machine guns. The G.55 was known for its superior performance at high altitudes and its ability to take on more advanced enemy aircraft. It entered service in 1943 and was considered one of the best Italian fighters of the war. Despite the challenges Italy faced in production and material shortages, the G.55 still managed to leave a lasting impact on Italian military aviation.