Gladiator vs CR.42 Falco cover
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Description

This book examines key encounters between the Gloster Gladiator and the Fiat CR.42 Falco, the last biplane fighters to enter front-line service, over some of the lesser-known theatres of conflict in World War II.

Both the Gloster Gladiator and the Fiat CR.42 Falco represented the peak in the development of the biplane fighter, which could trace its lineage back to World War I. However, by the time both aircraft entered service in the late 1930s, they were already obsolete. Nevertheless, they gave sterling service on all fronts in the Mediterranean and Africa in 1940–41. Indeed, the CR.42 was the Regia Aeronautica's staple fighter in both North and East Africa, Greece and over Malta in 1940–41, during which time its pilots routinely fought British and Commonwealth squadrons equipped in the main with Gladiator biplanes.

This book explores the bitter dogfights that were fought between these two types as the Allies attempted to gain control of the skies over North Africa, Greece and East Africa. Both types were flown in the main by highly experienced pre-war pilots, and this in turn made for some closely fought engagements, explored here alongside illustrations throughout.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chronology
Design and development
Strategic situation
Technical specifications
The combatants
Combat
Statistics and analysis
Aftermath
Bibliography
Glossary

Product details

Published 20 Dec 2012
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781849087087
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Duel
Short code DUE 47
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Håkan Gustavsson

Swede Håkan Gustavsson has researched the use of b…

Author

Ludovico Slongo

Ludovico Slongo is a promising aviation historian…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

Illustrator

Gareth Hector

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international…

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