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{{Short description|Italian biplane fighter}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = CR.32
 |image = File:Az Olasz Légierő FIAT CR-32 típusú vadászrepülőgépe. Fortepan 26473.jpg
 |caption = CR.32 of ''Regia Aeronautica'' in 1939
 |type = [[Fighter aircraft|Fighter]]
 |manufacturer = [[Fiat Aviazione|Fiat]]
 |designer = [[Celestino Rosatelli]]
 |first_flight = 28 April 1933 
 |introduction = 1933
 |retired = 1953, [[Spanish Air Force]]<ref>Mondey, D.: ''Axis Aircraft of WW II'', 2002, p. 56.</ref>
 |produced = [[Wiktionary:circa|c]]. March 1934 – 1938
 |number_built = 1,052 <ref>[http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/fiat_cr,1.html "Fiat CR.32."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313211300/http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/fiat_cr,1.html |date=2016-03-13 }} ''alieuomini.it'', Retrieved: 5 August 2018.</ref> 
 |status = Retired
 |primary_user = ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]'' 
 |more_users = [[Hungarian Air Force]]<br/>[[Spanish Air Force]]<br/>[[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
 |developed_from =
 |variants = [[Fiat CR.42 Falco]]
}}

The '''Fiat CR.32''' was an Italian [[biplane]] [[Fighter aircraft|fighter]] used in the [[Spanish Civil War]] and the [[Second World War]]. Designed by the [[aeronautical engineer]] [[Celestino Rosatelli]], it was a compact, robust and highly manoeuvrable aircraft for its era, leading to it being a relatively popular fighter during the 1930s.

The CR.32 fought in North and East Africa, in Albania, and in the Mediterranean theatre. It was extensively used in the [[Spanish Civil War]], where it gained a reputation as one of the most outstanding fighter biplanes of all time.<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> It also saw service in the air forces of [[China]], [[Austria]], [[Hungary]], [[Paraguay]] and [[Venezuela]]. It frequently performed impressive displays all over Europe in the hands of the Italian ''Pattuglie Acrobatiche''.<ref name="Gunston 1988, p. 246">Gunston 1988, p. 246.</ref> During the late 1930s, the CR.32 was overtaken by more advanced [[monoplane]] designs; by the start of the Second World War, it was considered to be obsolete. While it had been superseded by a number of newer Italian fighters, including the newer [[Fiat CR.42 Falco]] which had been derived from the CR.32, the type continued to be flown throughout the conflict.<ref>Sgarlato 2005. pp. 10–14.</ref>

==Development==
The Fiat CR.32 was designed by the [[aeronautical engineer]] [[Celestino Rosatelli]].<ref name = "catt 3"/> It was derived from the earlier [[Fiat CR.30]], which had received limited production orders from the ''[[Regia Aeronautica]]'' but, within the space of 12 months, it was superseded by the newer CR.32.<ref name = "catt 3">Cattaneo 1966, p. 3.</ref>  The CR.32 had a smaller and more streamlined fuselage than the CR.30, resulting in a more compact aircraft.

On 28 April 1933, the [[prototype]] CR.32, which was designated  the ''MM.201'', made its [[maiden flight]] from the Fiat company airfield at [[Turin]].<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> By the end of the year, the first production examples were already arriving with front line units of the Regia Aeronautica.<ref name = "catt 4"/> Mass production of the type took place between 1933 and 1938. Four variants of the CR.32 were developed: the standard, ''bis'', ''ter'', and ''quater''.<ref name = "catt 8">Cattaneo 1966, p. 8.</ref> The CR.32 ''bis'' had a more powerful [[Fiat A.30]]R V12 engine and two additional [[machine gun]]s, while the ''ter'' and the ''quater'' retained the original armament, differing in the use of improved [[gunsights]] and instrumentation.<ref name = "catt 8"/>

By 1938, the CR.32 had been rendered obsolete by advances in the field of aviation, including the arrival of a new generation of monoplane fighters, which were capable of superior performance. The CR.32 was directly succeeded by the [[Fiat CR.42 Falco]], which was derived from the CR.32.<ref name = "catt 4">Cattaneo 1966, p. 4.</ref> During the development of this design, four CR.32s were converted to serve as prototypes.<ref name = "catt 10"/>

==Design==
[[File:Capt. Mario D'Agostini.jpg|thumb|Capt. Mario D'Agostini standing next to the rear of his CR.32, 1940]]
The Fiat CR.32's [[fuselage]] had the same structure as the earlier CR.30, using [[aluminium]] and [[steel]] tubes covered by [[duraluminium]] on the nose up to the [[cockpit]], on the back, in the lower section under the [[tail]], while a [[fabric]] covering was used on the sides and belly.<ref name = "catt 4"/> According to Cattaneo, the fuselage was very robust for the time. The CR.32 had a fixed undercarriage with [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] [[shock absorber]]s; the wheels were housed in [[Aircraft fairing|fairing]]s and braking was [[pneumatics|pneumatically]] activated.<ref name = "catt 4"/>

The wings and tail used a mixed composition, similar to the fuselage, composed of a pair of aluminium [[alloy]] tubular spars and square tubes, which were covered by fabric. It was a [[sesquiplane]], the lower wing being shorter than the upper wing. The interplane struts were arranged to form a pair of [[Warren truss]]es on either side. [[Aileron]]s were only present upon the upper wings, which were balanced by out-rigged tabs mounted on steel struts.<ref name = "catt 4"/> The empennage, which was largely composed of aluminium tubes, had a variable incidence tailplane and an aerodynamically-balanced [[Elevator (aeronautics)|elevator]].<ref name = "catt 4"/>

[[File:Fiat CR32 with RAAF officers at Benghazi 1941.jpg|thumb|left|Members of the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] besides a captured CR.32 in [[Benghazi]], [[Libya]], 1941]]
The cockpit of the CR.32 had an adjustable seat and a parachute, the latter of which being stored within the squab.<ref name = "catt 4"/> Although it was considered to be fully instrumented for the era, the RA.80-1 [[radio]] set was only an optional piece of equipment.<ref name="De Marchi"/> Other equipment included a fire extinguisher, [[gun camera]], an [[oxygen]] system for the pilot; both an [[optical]] gunsight and [[Photogrammetry|survey]] camera could also be installed as optional item.<ref name = "catt 5">Cattaneo 1966, p. 5.</ref> The armament initially included a pair of 7.7&nbsp;mm (.030&nbsp;in) [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]]s (which was later substituted for a pair of 12.7&nbsp;mm (.5&nbsp;in) Breda-SAFAT guns), which were fitted on top of the engine cowling; each gun had an ammo capacity of 350 rounds each. Later examples were also furnished with a pair of [[hard point]]s, which could accommodate up to 12 5lb bombs, a pair of 100lb bombs, or a single 200lb bomb.<ref name = "catt 5"/>

The CR.32 was powered by a single water-cooled [[Fiat A.30 R.A.]] V12 engine.<ref name = "catt 5"/> Designed in 1930, it was a 60° V 12, producing up to 447&nbsp;kW (600&nbsp;hp) at 2,600 rpm, reportedly inspired by the American [[Curtiss D-12]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} It drove a 2.82 meter (9&nbsp;ft 4&nbsp;in) two-blade metal propeller <!-- From my reading 'variable pitch' is generally taken to be 'continuously variable in flight'. While crude twin-pitch switch inflight designs existed (they were fitted to early spitfires) transitional forms are rare. so I think 'two-bladed metal propeller with adjustable pitch settings' would be both factually accurate and less open to misinterpretation...  --> with pitch only adjustable on the ground, not in flight.<ref name = "catt 5"/> The engine did not use the usual [[Avgas|aviation gasoline]], but instead ran on a mixture of [[petrol]] (55%), [[ethanol]] (23%) and [[benzyl alcohol|benzol]] (22%). The main fuel tank, which was located between the engine and cockpit, carried 325 litres (85.9 US gal). There was another small 25 liter (6.6 US gal) auxiliary tank positioned in a streamlined fairing in the center of the upper wing.<ref name = "catt 5"/>

==Operational history==
===Early operations===
The new biplane proved to be an instant success. After a brief period of testing, the first production orders for the CR.32 were received during March 1934. Within a short amount of time, the type soon equipped the 1°, 3° and 4° ''Stormi'' of the ''Regia Aeronautica''.<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> The CR.32 was commonly well liked by its crews, being very maneuverable and benefitting from a relatively strong fuselage structure.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The Fiat biplanes were used for many aerobatic shows, in Italy and abroad. When foreign statesmen visited [[Rome]], the 4° ''Stormo'', ''Regia Aeronautica'' élite unit put on impressive displays with formations of five or ten aircraft. During 1936, air shows were organized above various other European capitals and major cities, and, during the following year, in South America. When the team returned, a brilliant display was put on in [[Berlin]].<ref name="Mondey 2006, p. 56">Mondey 2006, p. 56.</ref> Further overseas tours by Italian display teams, such as a [[South America]]n expedition in 1938, were performed using the type. The CR.32's tight turning circle and excellent handling made the type ideal for  aerobatic displays.<ref name = "catt 78">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 7-8.</ref>

The stand-out feature of the CR.32 was its remarkable manoeuvrability. It is possible its outstanding performance and popularity amongst its pilots were responsible for a continued attitude within many officials of the Regia Aeronautica that the biplane platform remained a viable concept for further development and deployment even in the face of a new generation of monoplane fighters.<ref name = "catt 5"/>

===Spain===
[[File:Fiat C.R.32-Baleari.jpg|thumb|A pair of Fiat C.R.32 of the X Gruppo "Baleari".]]

During 1938, Spain acquired a license to build the CR.32. Spanish manufacturer [[Hispano Aviación]] established a production line and constructed at least 100 examples, which were locally known under the designation HA-132-L Chirri. Some of these aircraft remained in military service as C.1 aerobatic trainers up until as late as 1953.<ref name="Mondey 2006, p. 56"/>

The Fiat CR.32 was used extensively in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the [[Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War)|Fascist]] military rebellion against the [[Second Spanish Republic|Spanish Republic]].<ref name = "catt 56">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 5-6.</ref> At least 380 examples took part in the air battles fought over Spain, proving formidable adversaries to the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Polikarpov I-15]] biplane and [[Polikarpov I-16]] monoplane that formed the backbone of the [[Spanish Republican Air Force]].<ref>Mondey 2006, p. 27.</ref> During 1936, the type had its baptism of fire. On 18 August, the first 12 CR.32s arrived in [[Spain]] and formed the'' Squadriglia Gamba di Ferro'', ''Cucaracha'', and ''Asso di Bastoni'' of 3° ''Stormo''; three days later ''Tenente'' Vittorino Ceccherelli, a [[Gold Medal of Military Valor]] winner, shot down the first enemy aircraft, a [[Nieuport-Delage NiD 52|Nieuport 52]], over [[Córdoba, Spain|Cordoba]].<ref name="De Marchi">De Marchi, Italo and Enzo Maio (tavole). ''Macchi MC. 200 "Saetta: / Pietro Tonizzo Gianfranco Munerotto Fiat CR. 32''. Modena: Stem Mucchi Editore, 1994.</ref> In total, the Italian government dispatched between 365 and 405 C.R.32s to Spain while between 127 and 131 were delivered directly to Nationalist aviation units. During the conflict, six aircraft were captured by Republican forces, according to Nico, one of these was shipped to the Soviet Union, where it underwent a detailed evaluation.<ref name="Sgarlato, Nico">Sgarlato, Nico. ''Fiat CR.42, CR.32 Gli ultimi biplani''. Parma: Delta Editrice, 2005.</ref><ref name = "catt 6">Cattaneo 1966, p. 6.</ref>

Thanks to the agile CR.32, the Italians managed to achieved air superiority over their ''Fuerzas Aéreas de la República Española'' opponents, who flew a motley collection of very different and often obsolete aircraft. The Fiat biplane proved to be effective in the theatre, the ''[[Aviazione Legionaria]]'' claiming 60 (48 confirmed) modern Russian [[Tupolev SB]] bombers, which were once believed to be impossible to intercept, as well as 242 [[Polikarpov I-15]] biplane fighters, and 240 [[Polikarpov I-16]] monoplane fighters, plus another hundred aircraft that were not confirmed. In exchange, C.R.32 losses were reportedly only 73.<ref name="De Marchi" /> According to other sources, of the 376 Fiat shipped to Spain, 175 (43 Spanish operated and 132 Italian) were lost, including 99 (26 Spanish and 73 Italian) shot down, while, by January 1939, the number of I-15s shot down was just 88.<ref name="Maslov p. 24">Maslov 2010, p. 24.</ref><ref name = "catt 7">Cattaneo 1966, p. 7.</ref>

====Spanish aces====
The top scoring CR.32 ace was Spaniard [[García Morato|Joaquín García Morato y Castaño]], who was the leading Nationalist fighter pilot of the [[Spanish Civil War]]. He achieved 36 of his 40 victories while flying the Fiat biplane. He used the same aircraft, which carried the number ''3-51'' on the fuselage, until his death. During April 1939, shortly after the war had finished, Morato fatally crashed his faithful ''3-51'' while performing low aerobatics.<ref name="Shores p. 49.">Shores 1983, p. 49.</ref>

Another Nationalist CR.32 ace was ''Capitán'' Manuel Vázquez Sagastizábal, who claimed 21{{fraction|1|3}} victories  with ''Grupo 2-G-3'',  before he was shot down and killed on 23 January 1939. ''Comandante'' Angel Salas Larrazabal, after one kill flying a [[Nieuport-Delage 52]], flew multiple CR.32s, shooting down, on 29 October 1936, the first of the fast Soviet monoplane [[Tupolev SB-2]] bombers to fall to Nationalist fighters. He shot down four more aircraft with the CR.32 before moving to a [[Heinkel He 51]] unit. After two more victories, he joined the new ''Grupo 2-G-3''. With this unit, again flying CR.32s, he raised his score to 16, including three SB-2s and an [[Polikarpov I-16|I-16]] in a single sortie on 2 September 1938. ''Capitán'' Miguel Guerrero Garcia achieved nine of his 13 victories flying the Fiat biplane: four [[Polikarpov I-15|I-15s]], three "Papagayos" ([[Polikarpov R-5|R-5]]s and [[Polikarpov R-Z|Polikarpov-RZ]]s assault bombers), and two [[Polikarpov I-16|I-16]]s.<ref name="Shores p. 47.">Shores 1983, p. 47.</ref>

===Second World War===
[[File:CR.32.jpeg|thumb|A CR.32 in 1940–1942.]]

The aerobatic characteristics of the CR.32 and its success in Spain misled the Italian air ministry, which was convinced that a biplane fighter still had potential as a weapon of war.<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> Consequently, during May 1939, prior to Italy entering the Second World War, CR.32 fighters, in ''bis'', ''ter'', and ''quater'' versions, represented two-thirds of all fighters in the ''Regia Aeronautica''. A total of 288 were based in Italy and [[North Africa]], while 24 were stationed in [[East Africa]].<ref name = "catt 8"/>

====North Africa====
When Italy declared war on Britain and France on 10 June 1940, 36 CR.32s together with 51 Fiat CR.42s formed the operational fighter force of the Regia Aeronautica in [[Libya]].<ref name="Shoresmed1 p17">Shores, Massimello and Guest 2012, p. 17.</ref> The first combat between CR.32s and British aircraft came the following day. Six CR.32s intercepted a formation of [[Bristol Blenheim]] bombers attacking the airfield at [[Gamal Abdul El Nasser Air Base|El Adem]], claiming two Blenheims shot down and the remaining four damaged (compared with actual British losses of two Blenheims lost and two damaged), for no losses.<ref name="Shoresmed 1 p23">Shores, Massimello and Guest 2012, p. 23.</ref><ref name = "catt 89">Cattaneo 1966, pp. 8-9.</ref> According to Cattaneo, instead of focusing on air-to-air dogfighting, CR.32 pilots typically engaged in strafing ground targets, acting as light attack aircraft instead; he stated these activities to have been of "limited effectiveness" in the campaign.<ref name = "catt 9">Cattaneo 1966, p. 9.</ref>

====East Africa====
Possibly the greatest wartime successes to be achieved by CR.32s were accomplished in [[Italian East Africa]].<ref name="Mondey 2006, p. 56"/> Here, 410<sup>a</sup> and 411<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' CR.32s (which represented half of all the fighters operational in the Italian colony) destroyed a number of British and South African aircraft.<ref name="Mondey 2006, p. 56"/> In the hands of a skillful pilot, the CR.32 could be capable of defeating the faster, more powerful, and better-armed monoplanes, like the Hurricanes and the Blenheims.

The Fiats received their baptism of fire on 17 June, when CR. 32s of 411<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' flown by ''Tenente'' Aldo Meoli and ''Maresciallo'' Bossi attacked three [[South African Air Force]] [[Junkers Ju 86]] bombers bound for Yavello, escorted by two Hurricanes of 1 SAAF Squadron. The Fiat CR.32s shot down one of the Ju 86s and then pounced on the Hurricanes, shooting down the one flown by 2/Lt B.L. Griffiths, who was killed in the crash.<ref name="Sutherland & Canwell 2009, p. 38">Sutherland and Canwell 2009, p. 38.</ref> 
On the 7th of July, three CR.32s, escorting as many [[Caproni Ca.133]]s, intercepted three [[Hawker Hart]]ebeests, and shot down the plane flown by Lt N.K. Rankin, killing the pilot and his gunner, Air Sgt D.H. Hughes.<ref name="Sutherland & Canwell 2009, p. 46">Sutherland and Canwell 2009, p. 46.</ref> On 23 February 1941, while in the process of attacking the airfield at [[Mek'ele|Makale]], Maj Laurie Wilmot, who was flying a Hurricane, was bounced by Italian ace Alberto Veronese in a Fiat biplane. Wilmot was forced to crash-land, becoming a [[prisoner of war]] (PoW). Soon after, Capt [[Andrew Duncan (SAAF)|Andrew Duncan]] hit Veronese, who was wounded and bailed out.<ref name="Thomas 2003, p. 60">Thomas 2003, p. 60.</ref> 
The CR.32s obtained other kills, despite having to face an ever increasing number of more modern aircraft.

The 410<sup>a</sup> ''Squadriglia'' alone managed to shoot down 14 enemy aircraft, before being disbanded. But the impossibility of obtaining replacements and spare parts from the motherland caused the gradual thinning of the rows of CR.32s. On 10 January 1941 there were still 22 CR.32s in service, on 31 January there were 14, on 10 February 11 and on 5 March just eight. The last CR.32 survived until mid-April 1941.<ref name="De Marchi 1994, p. 34">De Marchi 1994, p. 34.</ref>

====Mediterranean====
Fourteen CR.32s of 160° ''Gruppo'' and nine of 2° ''Gruppo'' from 6° ''Stormo'' saw action against [[Greece]] in the first weeks after the attack of 28 October 1940. Eight more from 163<sup>a</sup>a ''Squadriglia'', based at Gadurrà airport on [[Rhodes]], took part in the invasion of [[Crete]]. CR.32s of 3° ''Gruppo'' operated in [[Sardinia]], but in the period of July–December 1940 their number fell from 28 to seven serviceable aircraft. Cattaneo observed that ground crews lacked the fuel, ammunition, and spare components to properly maintain their aircraft, often resulting to improvisation due to the poor supply situation, which severely impacted the fighter's operational effectiveness.<ref name = "catt 9"/> The last front line CR.32 survived until mid-April 1941 when they were sent to the ''Scuola Caccia'' (Schools for fighter pilots). By 1942, the type was relegated to only night missions as newer fighters were put into service.{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}}

===International use===
====China====
The first international operator of the CR.32 was [[Chiang Kai-shek]]'s for China, which ordered 16 (according to other sources 24) CR.32s of the first series in 1933. The aircraft mounted Vickers 7.7&nbsp;mm machine guns instead of the Breda-SAFAT, electric [[headlight]]s, and the cooling fins on the oil tank in the nose were removed. Additionally, some were equipped with radios.<ref name="Smith">{{cite book |last1=Smith |first1=Peter |title=Combat Biplanes of World War II |date=2014 |publisher=Pen & Sword |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-1783400546 |pages=48}}</ref> They were based at [[Nangahang airport]], near [[Shanghai]]. Some officers of the Chinese high command disliked the Fiat, but Chinese pilots appreciated that the Italian biplanes in comparative tests proved superior to the American [[BF2C Goshawk|Curtiss Hawk]] and [[Boeing P-26]]. The Chinese Government did not order more CR.32s as it was difficult to import alcohol and benzole to mix with petrol for the engines. In May 1936, only six CR.32s were still operational. In August 1937, the  remaining CR.32s were used with some initial success in Shanghai against the invading Japanese.<ref name="Sgarlato, Nico"/><ref name = "catt 8"/> By late 1937, when the Chinese capital at [[Nanjing]] fell, all CR.32s had been lost.<ref name="De Marchi"/>

====Austria====
In spring 1936, 45 CR.32s were ordered by Austria to equip ''[[Jagdgeschwader]]'' II at [[Wiener Neustadt]]. In March 1938, following the [[Austrian Anschluss referendum, 1938|Anschluss]] with neighbouring [[Nazi Germany]], the Austrian units were absorbed into the [[Luftwaffe]],<ref>{{cite web |title=After the Anschluss |url=http://www.ww2incolor.com/other/CR32-LW.html |work=www.ww2incolor.com |access-date=5 May 2013}}</ref> and, after a brief period, the 36 remaining aircraft were handed over to Hungary.<ref name="Mondey p. 55">Mondey 2006, p. 55.</ref><ref name = "catt 8"/>

====Hungary====
[[File:A Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő Fiat Cr-32 típusú vadászgépe. Fortepan 52919.jpg|thumb|Members of the [[Royal Hungarian Air Force]] (MKHL) next to a CR.32, 1943]]

The  [[Royal Hungarian Air Force|Magyar Királyi Honvéd Légierő]], the Royal Hungarian Air Force (MKHL), acquired a total of 76 CR.32s during 1935 and 1936. MKHL Fiat biplanes had their baptism of fire in 1939, during the [[Slovak-Hungarian War|short conflict]] with the newly-formed state of [[Slovakia]]. The CR.32s, which were emblazoned with the red/white/green chevrons insignia, easily gained air superiority over the fledgling Slovak Air Force, which lost a few [[Avia B.534]]s  and [[Letov S-328]]s during this action.<ref name="Neulen p. 120">Neulen 2000, p. 120.</ref><ref name = "catt 8"/>

During the short conflict against [[Yugoslavia]], fought in April 1941, the MKHL lost three CR.32s<ref name="Neulen pp. 122-123">Neulen 2000, pp. 122–123.</ref> and, on 6 May 1941, the Hungarian Air Force still had 69 Fiat CR.32s on line.<ref name="Neulen p. 122">Neulen 2000, p. 122.</ref> In June 1941, when the [[Kingdom of Hungary (1920–1946)|Kingdom of Hungary]] declared war on the [[Soviet Union]], the CR.32 fighter equipped two of the units that supported the Hungarian Army on the Eastern Front: 1./I Group of 1st Fighter Wing, based in [[Szolnok]], and 2./I Group, of 2nd Fighter Wing, based at [[Nyíregyháza]].<ref name="Neulen p. 125">Neulen 2000, p. 125.</ref>
On 29 June, the first aerial combat over Hungary took place, when seven [[Tupolev SB-2]] bombers attacked the railway station at Csap and were intercepted by the Fiat CR.32s from 2/3 Fighter squadron. The Fiat biplanes shot down three of the raiders while incurring no loss to themselves.<ref name="Neulen p. 124">Neulen 2000, p. 124.</ref>

Following the acquisition of newer fighters, including the Fiat CR.42 and [[Reggiane Re.2000]], the remaining Hungarian CR.32s were relegated being used for training missions only.<ref name = "catt 8"/>

====South Africa====
A CR-32 was captured intact at Addis Adaba, made flyable and was sent to [[Air Force Base Swartkop|Zwartkop Air Station]] in August 1941.<ref name="Smith" /> The CR-32 went on a public tour and then joined [[6 Squadron SAAF|6 Squadron]] in April 1942, serving as a hack. In November 1942 the plane was transferred to the Natal University Air Training Squadron, eventually being scrapped in 1945.<ref name="Smith" />

====South America====
In 1938, Venezuela acquired nine CR.32''quater''s (according to other sources, 10 aircraft.)<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> Modifications included a larger radiator to assist engine cooling in tropical climate conditions. The aircraft were delivered to [[Maracay]] in the second half of 1938 and equipped the 1° ''Regimiento de Aviación Militar del Venezuela''. With five CR.32s still serviceable, the aircraft were struck off charge in 1943.<ref name="De Marchi"/><ref name = "catt 8"/>

A small number, estimated at four,<ref name="Mondey p. 55"/> went to Paraguay in 1938. Five CR.32''quater'' fighters (registered 1-1, 1-3, 1-5, 1-7 and 1-9) were assigned to 1.a ''Escuadrilla de Caza'' of the Fuerzas Aéreas del Ejército Nacional del Paraguay. They did not arrive in time for military operations against [[Bolivia]], but were in service for several years.<ref name="Sgarlato, Nico"/><ref name = "catt 8"/>

==Variants==
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}
The ''Regia Aeronautica'' ordered 1,080 CR.32s (including the two prototypes and 23 aircraft rebuilt by SCA factory in Guidonia, near Rome, plus 52 without military registry numbers for Hungary). With 100 more CR.32quaters licence-built in Spain (as the Hispano Ha. 132L ''Chirri''), the total CR.32 production numbers range from 1,306 to 1,332 examples.

;CR.32
:Armed with twin 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) or 12.7&nbsp;mm (.5&nbsp;in) machine guns and powered by 447&nbsp;kW (600&nbsp;hp) [[Fiat A.30 R.A.bis]] engine. Delivered to the ''Regia Aeronautica'' between March 1934 and February 1936.
;CR.32bis
:[[Close air support|Close-support]] fighter version armed with twin Breda-SAFAT Mod.1928Av. 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) (a common field modification was to discard the 7.7&nbsp;mm armament to reduce weight) and twin 12.7&nbsp;mm (.5&nbsp;in) machine guns. Bomb racks with ability to carry 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb) bombload possible: 1 × 100&nbsp;kg (220&nbsp;lb) or 2 × 50&nbsp;kg (110&nbsp;lb).
;CR.32ter
:Revised CR.32bis with a gun-sight, strengthened undercarriage and removal of wing-mounted guns.<ref name="Smith" />
;CR.32quater<ref name="complete p205-6">Green and Swanborough 1994, pp. 205–206.</ref>
:Revised CR.32ter with reduced weight, added radio and max speed 356&nbsp;km/h (221&nbsp;mph) at 3,000&nbsp;m (9,843&nbsp;ft); 337 built for the ''Regia Aeronautica''.
;CR.33
:{{convert|700|hp|kW|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Fiat A.33|Fiat AC.33RC]] engine. Maximum speed {{convert|412|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}} at {{convert|3500|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Lailes>{{cite journal|date=7 May 1936 |title=Le monoplace de chasse Fiat "C.R.-33"|journal=Les Ailes |issue=777 |pages=3|url=http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k65552179/f3 }}</ref>  Only three prototypes were built.{{citation needed|date=April 2016}}
;CR.40
:One prototype powered by a [[Bristol Mercury]] IV [[radial engine]].
;CR.40bis
:One prototype only.
;CR.41
:One prototype only.
;HA-132L Chirri
:Spanish version; 100 were built and 49 more of those used during the war were rebuilt. A total of 40 were transformed into two-seaters and kept in service as an aerobatic [[Trainer (aircraft)|trainer]] till 1953.<ref>{{cite web|title=One of the last "Chirris"?|url=http://www.ww2incolor.com/other/CR32-CHIRRI-COL.html|work=www.ww2incolor.com|access-date=5 May 2013}}</ref>

==Operators==
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}
[[File:Fiat C.R.32.JPG|thumb|Fiat C.R.32 at the Vigna di Valle air museum in 2012.]]
;{{AUT}}
*[[Austrian Air Force (1927–1938)|Austrian Air Force]] received 45 CR.32bis aircraft<ref>Haubner, F.  ''Die Flugzeuge der Österreichischen Luftstreitkräfte vor 1938.'' Graz, Austria: H. Weishaupt Verlag, 1982.</ref>
;{{Flagcountry|Nationalist government}}
*[[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
;{{flagcountry|Nazi Germany}}
*''[[Luftwaffe]]'' operated former Austrian aircraft
;{{flagcountry|Kingdom of Hungary (1920–46)}}
*[[Royal Hungarian Air Force]]
;{{flag|Kingdom of Italy}}
*''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''
*''[[Aviazione Legionaria]]''<ref>PRESTON, Paul. ''The Spanish Civil War. Reaction, Revolution & Revenge.'' Harper Perennial. London. 2006. p.117</ref>
*[[Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force]]
;{{flag|Paraguay|1842}}
*[[Paraguayan Air Arm]] ordered five aircraft in 1938.
;{{flag|Spanish State|1938}}
*[[Spanish Air Force]]
;{{flag|Spanish Republic|1936}}
* Operated captured aircraft
;{{flagcountry|Italian Social Republic}}
* [[Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana]]
;{{flag|Venezuela|1930}}
*[[Venezuelan Air Force]] ordered nine aircraft in 1938.

==Surviving aircraft==
* C.1-328 – HA-132L on static display at the [[Italian Air Force Museum]] in [[Bracciano|Bracciano, Lazio]]. It was donated by the Spanish Air Force in 1955.<ref>{{cite web |title=FIAT CR-32 |url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/storia/museostorico/Pagine/FiatCr32.aspx |website=Ministero della Difesa |access-date=24 November 2018 |language=it}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Fiat-Hispano HA-132L Chirri, s/n C.1-328 EdA, c/n 328 |url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=3095 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref>
* Composite – HA-132 on static display at the [[Museo del Aire (Madrid)|Museo del Aire]] in [[Cuatro Vientos|Cuatro Vientos, Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hangar 3 del Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica |url=http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=E5145185FA1157E1C125746C002E58F4 |website=Ejército del Aire |access-date=24 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118123310/http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=E5145185FA1157E1C125746C002E58F4 |archive-date=18 January 2018 |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Fiat CR-32, c/n 262 |url=http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=18724 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref>
* CR32 MM4666 in colours of 92sqd.on static display at the [[Italian Air Force]] in [[Rivolto|Codroipo, Udine]]

==Specifications (CR.32)==
[[File:FIAT CR-32.svg|thumb|3-view drawing of Fiat CR.32]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''The Fiat CR.32''<ref name = "catt 10">Cattaneo 1966, p. 10.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length m=7.47
|length note=
|span m=9.5
|span note=
|wing area sqm=22.1
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=1455
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=1975
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Fiat A.30 R.A.bis]]
|eng1 type=V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine
|eng1 kw=447
|eng1 note=

|prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop name=
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=360
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|range km=781
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=8800
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=9
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=
<!--
        Armament
-->
|guns= 2 × {{cvt|7.7|mm|3}} or {{cvt|12.7|mm|3}} [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]]s
|bombs= Up to {{cvt|100|kg|0}}
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[Fiat CR.42 Falco]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Polikarpov I-15]]
|lists=
* [[List of interwar military aircraft]]
* [[Regia Aeronautica#Aircraft|List of aircraft of Italy in World War II]]
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* Apostolo, Giorgio. ''Fiat CR 32 (Ali D'Italia 4)''. (in Italian/English). Torino, Italy: La Bancarella Aeronautica, 1996. No ISBN.
* Cattaneo, Gianni. ''The Fiat CR.32'' (Aircraft in Profile Number 22). Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1965.
* "Connaissance de l'Histoir Hachette." ''Avions Militaires 1919–1939 Profils et Histoire'' (in French). Paris: 1979.
* De Marchi, Italo, Enzo Maio, Pietro Tonizzo and Gianfranco Munerotto. ''Macchi MC.200 "Saetta" – Fiat CR.32'' {{in lang|it}}.  Modena: Stem Mucchi, 1994.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Complete Book of Fighters''. New York: Smithmark, 1994. {{ISBN|0-8317-3939-8}}.
* Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "The Facile Fiat... Rosatelli's Italian Fighter." ''Air Enthusiast Twenty-two'', August–November 1983. Bromley, Kent, UK: Pilot Press Ltd., 1983.
* Gunston, Bill. ''The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II''. London: Salamander Books Limited, 1988. {{ISBN|1-84065-092-3}}.
* Logoluso, Alfredo. ''Fiat CR.32 Aces of the Spanish Civil War''. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-84603-983-6}}.
* Maliza, Nicola. ''Il Fiat C.R. 32 – Poesia del Volo'' {{in lang|it}}. Rome: Edizioni dell'Ateneo & Bizzarri, 1981.
* Maslov, Mikhail A. ''Polikarpov I-15, I-16 and I-153''. Oxford, Osprey  Publishing, 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-84603-981-2}}.
* McCullough, Anson. "La Cucaracha." ''Airpower'', Volume 28, No. 5, September 1998.
* Mondey, David. ''The Hamlyn Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II''. London: Bounty Books, 2006. {{ISBN|0-7537-1460-4}}.
* Neulen, Hans Werner. ''In the Skies of Europe.'' Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press, 2000. {{ISBN|1-86126-799-1}}.
* Punka, George. ''Fiat CR 32/CR 42 in Action (Aircraft Number 172)''. Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal, 2000. {{ISBN|0-89747-411-2}}.
* {{cite journal |last1=Sapienza|first1=Antonio Luis|title=Les chasseurs Fiat au Paraguay |journal=Avions: Toute l'aéronautique et son histoire |date=September 1994 |issue=19 |pages=9–13 |trans-title=Paraguayan Fiat Fighters |language=fr |issn=1243-8650}}
* Sgarlato, Nico. ''Fiat CR.32 Freccia – CR.42 Falco'' {{in lang|it}}. Parma, Italy: Delta Editrice, 2005.
* Shores, Christopher. ''Air Aces''. Greenwich, CT: Bison Books, 1983. {{ISBN|0-86124-104-5}}.
* Shores, Christopher, Giovanni Massimello and Russell Guest. ''A History of the Mediterranean Air War 1940–1945: Volume One: North Africa June 1940 – January 1942''. London: Grub Street, 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-908117-07-6}}.
* Sutherland, Jon and Diane Canwell. ''Air War East Africa 1940–41''. Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK: Pen and Sword Aviation, 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-84415-816-4}}.
* Thomas, Andrew. ''Hurricane Aces 1941–45''. Oxford, UK/New York: Osprey Publishing, 2003.{{ISBN|1-84176-610-0}}.
* Westburg, Peter. "Dogfight over Ruthenia." ''Airpower'', Volume 13, No. 6, November 1983.

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070926225253/http://www.constable.ca/cr32.htm Fiat CR.32 Fighter]
* [http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/cr32.htm Fiat CR.32]

{{Fiat aircraft}}
{{Hispano aircraft}}
{{Spanish fighters}}
{{Spanish trainer aircraft}}

{{Portal bar|Italy|Companies|Aviation}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fiat Cr.32}}
[[Category:Fiat aircraft|CR.32]]
[[Category:1930s Italian fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Biplanes]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1933]]
[[Category:Aircraft with fixed conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]