Gladiator vs CR.42 Falco: 1940-41
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.
1111445593
Gladiator vs CR.42 Falco: 1940-41
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.
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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781782003298
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date: 12/20/2012
Series: Duel , #47
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 80
File size: 18 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Swede Håkan Gustavsson has researched the use of biplane fighters in World War II for many years. He runs one of the internet's oldest and largest aviation sites (surfcity.kund.dalnet.se), featuring biographies of pilots who flew biplane fighters during World War II. He has been in contact with numerous pilot veterans, and their families, over the past two decades, unearthing first-hand accounts and other invaluable material relating to their often forgotten wartime exploits.

Ludovico Slongo is a promising aviation historian based in the Italian city of Padua. He has been researching the history of military aviation during World War II for more than 15 years, focusing on pilots, units and operations of the Italian Regia Aeronautica. Together with Håkan Gustavsson, he is working on a number of research projects related to the air war in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Swede Håkan Gustavsson has researched the use of biplane fighters in World War 2 for many years. He runs one of the internet's oldest and largest sites (surfcity.kund.dalnet.se), featuring biographies of pilots that flew biplane fighters during World War 2. He has been in contact with numerous pilot veterans, and their families, over the past two decades, unearthing first-hand accounts and other invaluable material relating to their often forgotten wartime exploits.
Ludovico Slongo is a promising aviation historian based in the Italian city of Padova. He has been researching the history of military aviation during the World War 2 for more than 15 years, focusing on pilots, units and operations of the Italian Regia Aeronautica. Together with Håkan Gustavsson, he is working on a number of research projects related to the air war in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.
Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025
and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.

Table of Contents

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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Håkan Gustavsson and Ludovico Slongo aim "to produce an unbiased account of what really happened, and provide a fair description for both of the sides involved" in Gladiator vs CR.42 Falco: 1940–41 – the latest, fascinating installment in OSPREY's acclaimed "Duel" series. And what a terrific tale it is."
—David L. Veres, www.cybermodeler.com (January 2013)

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