Probably one of the last fighter aircraft to be built as a biplane, the Fiat CR.42 was pretty much obsolete before it took to the air for its first flight. No one can say that it was not a good looking plane and thanks to its biplane configuration, it was highly maneuverable and a delight to fly. However, against modern low wing monoplane fighters it was at a serious disadvantage in terms of speed and in terms of armament. It was successful in some of the secondary section of the war in East Africa and in the Balkans where the opposition had aircraft of similar design. However, once involved in combat in North Africa  and again on the Channel Front and in Russia, its dated design was obvious and led to its lack of real success in these venues.

It is not so much as surprise that few pilots were able to actually become aces flying just the CR.42, but that some were successful with it. Looking at what they shot down, however, brings to light that most of their victims were not Spitfires or P-40s or Hurricanes, but bombers and obsolete fighters like the Gladiator. Many other pilots were able to add a plane or two to their eventual score while flying the CR.42 and that is what makes up much of the book.

Like others in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series, this one is full of stories of air combat and a look at the situation in which these planes were involved. Not all who were able to score victories in the CR.42 were Italian. The aircraft was also flown in the air forces of Belgium, Sweden, Hungary and in the Luftwaffe. In fact, some of the last production CR.42s were built as night intruders and flown on harrassing missions and anti-partisan operations. This kept the plane flying until the end of the war and even after when some were converted to trainers and hacks. 

Typical of the series, there are superb photos of the men and the planes. This is combined with the usual pages of profiles, forty in all, that modelers so love as it inspires future projects. The appendicies give a full listing of those who were successful with the aircraft in all the services that flew it. Line drawings in 1/48 scale are also included.

Overall, it is a superb read and an excellent reference. You really cannot go wrong with this or any other book in the series.

December 2009

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