J 11 - Fiat C.R. 42 (1940-1945)

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Swedish Air Force Fighter Aircraft J 11 FIAT C.R. 42

 

Although a biplane, the Fiat C.R. 42 was taken in service by the Italian Regia Aeronautica as late as 1939. A fact that proves that the C.R. 42 was a generally successful design. In the years of 1940 and 1941 72 aircraft of this type (C.R. 42bis Falco) were sold to the Swedish Air Force, when the delivery of the earlier purchased Vultee Vanguard's (J 10) and other aircraft were stopped by the American embargo.  

The aircraft was regarded as nice to fly and was appreciated by the pilots. Unfortunately the armament was weak, only two 12, 7 mm machine-guns. The speed was not much to boast of. The Fiat A74R 1C 38 engine developed 870 hp and gave the biplane a maximum speed of 405 km/h.  

Most J 11’s made their duty during the war years at the Fighter Wing F 9 at Säve near Gothenburg, which was established in 1940. Some C.R. 42’s were used after the war as target-tugs.  

Photo at top: J 11 of Wing F 9 in the air 1941-06-09.

Photo below: The preserved J 11 at Flygvapenmuseum (Swedish Air Force Museum). C/n 921, Sw AF/n 2543.

Length: 8,25 m. Span: 9,70 m.  Height: 3,35 m. Maximum take-off weight: 2,500 kg. Max. speed: 405 km/h.

 

 

Swedish Air Force J 11 FIAT C.R. 42 # 2543. Photo Lars Henriksson.
 
 
 
 
 


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Updated 2010-07-18