Italy’s First Modern Bomber (That Aged Like Milk)

The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna—meaning Stork in Italian—was Italy’s first all-metal bomber, designed in the mid-1930s to modernize the nation’s aging bomber fleet. While it initially showed promise, by the time Italy entered World War II, it was already outdated and outclassed.

Origins: A Race Against Obsolescence

During the 1930s, Italy’s Regia Aeronautica recognized that its bomber fleet was quickly becoming obsolete. Rapid advancements in aircraft technology meant that even the latest Italian designs would soon be outperformed by foreign counterparts.

To stay competitive, the Italian Air Ministry issued a requirement for a modern twin-engine monoplane bomber that needed to:
✔ Outrun contemporary fighters with a speed of at least 385 km/h
✔ Carry up to 1,600 kg of bombs (with a minimum of 1,200 kg)
✔ Have a range of at least 2,500 km for strategic bombing missions

The Prototype: A Promising Start

Fiat’s prototype was rolled out in February 1936 and featured several modern innovations:

• Twin-fin tail for better stability in case of engine failure
• Retractable landing gear for reduced drag
• Internal bomb bay for improved aerodynamics

Powered by two Fiat A.80 RC.41 engines, the BR.20 prototype exceeded expectations, reaching speeds of over 400 km/h. It was also surprisingly maneuverable for a bomber, with responsive controls and excellent cockpit visibility.

However, serious issues emerged during testing. The engines vibrated excessively, causing extreme discomfort for the crew—especially on long missions.

The Fiat BR.20 Enters Service

Despite its flaws, the BR.20 entered production, officially designated “BR” (Bombardiere Rosatelli)” after its designer, Celestino Rosatelli. Several improvements were made to the production model:

• Aerodynamic refinements to the nose
• Reinforced twin tail for better handling
• Stronger wing center section to counteract engine vibrations

The BR.20 performed well in early combat, particularly in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Out of 13 BR.20s sent to Spain, over two-thirds survived, proving its durability. However, it was overshadowed by the more widely used SM.79 bomber and was relegated to reconnaissance duties in the war’s final year.

At the war’s end, Spain kept the surviving BR.20s for its own air force.

Mixed Results in Japan

Japan also operated the BR.20, but its performance was disappointing. While initially useful, the bomber struggled against anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. By mid-1941, Japan began replacing it with the Mitsubishi Ki-21, phasing out the BR.20 entirely by year’s end.

World War II: Outmatched in Every Front

The BR.20M, the most widely produced variant, saw action in:

• The Battle of Britain (1940)
• North Africa
• The Eastern Front
• The Greek Campaign (1940–41)

However, during the Battle of Britain, the BR.20 performed poorly against British fighters, shaking Italy’s confidence in the design. By 1942, it was completely outdated compared to modern Allied bombers.

In an effort to modernize, Fiat developed the BR.20bis, featuring:
✔ A fully glazed nose
✔ More powerful engines
✔ Self-sealing fuel tanks for improved survivability

But Allied bombing raids on Fiat’s factories in 1943 delayed production, and only 10 to 15 BR.20bis were built before Italy surrendered in September 1943.

The End of the Line

After the war, no examples survived, as most BR.20s were scrapped between 1944 and 1946.

The BR.20 started as an innovative bomber, but like many pre-war aircraft, it was quickly outpaced by the rapid technological advancements of World War II.