Category Archives: Austria

CR.32bis in Austrian Service

Austria (1936)

Biplane Fighter: Number operated 45

In the search for more modern fighters, Austria acquired some 45 CR.32bis biplane fighters from Italy. These were some of the best biplane designs in the years before the war, but were quickly deemed obsolete once they encountered more modern fighters. In Austrian hands, these would only have a limited service life, as two years later this country would be annexed by Nazi Germany.

Austrian-operated CR.32bis biplane fighter. Source: https://www.airhistory.net/photo/304058/177

History

Following the end of the First World War, the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire ceased to exist. Its territories were taken by its neighbors, or given to newly created states that emerged following the war. What was left of Austria was deprived of its military force and sounded by not-so-friendly countries.

To acquire some modern aircraft for its air force, an Austrian delegation visited Italy. After examining various designs, the Austrian Federal Ministry of National Defence agreed to buy 45 CR.32bis biplane fighter aircraft at the start of 1936. These were better-armed and slightly improved versions, with two additional machine guns positioned in the wings. Once in Austria, they were used to equip  Jagdgeschwader II stationed at Wiener Neustadt.

In total, Austria acquired 45 of the CR.32bis from Italy in early 1936. Source: forum.axishistory.com

A Brief CR.32  History

The success of the CR.30 prompted the Italians to further improve this design. A prototype of the improved CR.32 was completed and flight-tested in April 1933. Following the successful test trials, the aircraft was accepted to service and put into mass production, proving to be one of the better biplane designs that arose just before the Second World War. It achieved great export success as it was sold worldwide such as in China, Hungary, Spain, Venezuela, and Austria. While it performed well during the Spanish Civil War, the days of the biplane fighter were gone, replaced by the more modern single-wing fighter. Thus the Cr.32s in service by the Italian Air Force suffered heavy losses when they encountered more modern fighters.

The Italian CR.32 biplane fighter. Source: Wiki

In Austrian Service

As mentioned, the CR.32bis was allocated to the Jagdgeschwader II. this unit was divided into three squadrons (Jagdstaffeln) 4/II, 5II, and 6/II. Their service life within the Austrian Air Force was rather limited and besides some military exercises, they did not see any combat action.

Austria was never in a good geopolitical situation. From the north, they were constantly under pressure from Nazy Germany, who tried several times to direct the Austrian government to its side. For example, in 1934 Nazis organized the assassination of Austrian Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss. While this did not change the political situation to Germany’s favor, due to Italian intervention, the Austrian government remained in a great crisis. By 1938, the relationship between Germany and Italy was improving, determining the fate of Austria. In March 1938, the German Army moved into Austria and essentially took over the country in an event known today as the  Anschluss.

The equipment of the Austrian Army and Air Force were captured by the Germans. The Jagdgeschwader II was renamed to I.Gruppe – Jagdgeschwader 138 and was relocated to Aspern. The Germans never tried to incorporate the CR.32 into their forces, they were only briefly used as training aircraft. Eventually, the 36 available CR.32 aircraft would be sold to Hungary which already had this aircraft.

A total of 45 CR.32 were allocated to the Jagdgeschwader II. Source: /fighters.forumactif.com
In German service, the CR.32 would see quite limited service as a training aircraft. Seeing no proposal to operate them any further, these would be sold to Hungary. Source:acesflyinghighthesurvivors.wordpress.com
At least one CR.32 would be damaged during a landing accident by the new owners. Source: Pinterest

Camouflage and Marking

The Austrians used a combination of silver paint and natural metal for this aircraft’s liveries. In addition, the wings struts were painted in black.  Regarding national marking, they added an Austrian flag which was painted on the aircraft tail. On the fuselage sides, a red circle with a white triangle was painted followed by a vertical red stripe.

The Austrians added a red-white-red flag which was painted on the aircraft tail. On the fuselage sides, usually a red circle with a white triangle was painted followed by a vertical red stripe. On occasions some aircraft such as this one received additional markings. Source:  fighters.forumactif.com

Technical Specification

The Fiat CR.32 was designed as a biplane, mixed-construction fighter. The fuselage frame was made using four longerons connected to a triangle-shaped framework. The fuselage was covered in sheet metal, except with some minor parts which were covered in fabric. Wings were made of two spars connected with a duralumin tube and then covered in fabric. The landing gear consisted of two forward-mounted wheels which were connected to the fuselage and a tail wheel. The armament consisted of two 7.7 cm (0.3 in), or two 12.7 cm (0.5 in) machine guns. The ammunition load for the former was 750 and the latter 350 per machine gun. Both of these were mounted above the engine compartment.

The CR.32bis was a slightly improved version that incorporated the addition of two lower-wing positioned machine guns. Source: acesflyinghighthesurvivors.wordpress.com

Conclusion

The CR.32bis was the best available Austrian fighter aircraft. Unfortunately for them, the geopolitical situation in this part of Europe was not in their favor. The rising Nazi Germany for years tried to annex this small country, which they eventually achieved in 1938. The annexation of Austria also meant the end of their short-lived Air Force.

CR.32bis  Specifications

Wingspans 9.5 m / 31  ft 2  in
Length 7.45 m / 24 ft 5  in
Height 2.63 m / 8  ft 7  in
Wing Area 22.1 m² / 238 ft²
Engine One 600 hp Fiat A.30 RA bis 12-cylinder piston engine
Empty Weight 1,400 kg / 3,086 lbs
Maximum Take-off Weight 1,970 kg / 4,343 lbs
Maximum Speed 350 km/h / 217 mph
Range 680 km / 422 miles
Maximum Service Ceiling 8,800 m / 28,870 ft
Crew 1 pilot
Armament
  • Two 12,7 mm or two 7.7 mm machine guns in the upper fuselage
  • Two 7.7 mm in the lower wings

Illustration

 

Credits

  • Written by Marko P.
  • Edited by Henry H.
  • Illustrations by Oussama Mohamed “Godzilla”

Source:

  • D. Nesic  (2008)  Naoružanje Drugog Svetsko Rata-Italija
  • (1996) CR 32 Ali D’ITalia, La Bancarella Aeronautica Torino
  • G. Cattaneo (1965) The Fiat CR.32, Profile Publication
  • G. punka (2000) Fiat CR 32/CR 42 In Action, Signal publication
  • D. Monday (2006) The Hamlyn Concise Guide To Axis Aircraft OF World War II, Bounty Books