Fiat Br.20 Cicogna Aviazione Legionaria

[Captain Kurt]

A new entry has been added to Add-Ons Library, category CFS 2 Aircraft - Italian

Description: Fiat Br.20 Cicogna


The Fiat Br.20 Cicogna (Italian translation "Stork) was created not only as a military instrument but also as an instrument of propaganda for Benito Mussolini's fascist regime symbolic of fascist power.


After the 1935 invasion of Ethiopia by Italian forces, it was decided that a new, modern bomber was required. In 1936, Celestino Rosatelli designed what was considered one of the most advanced bombers at that time. The Fiat Br.20 Cicogna was a low-wing, twin-engine monoplane with all-metal framework, twin rudders and retractable landing gear. It was stress-skinned except fabric covered sections of the aft fuselage, wing and tail planes. When it became operational a number were tested in the Spanish Civil War. It was proficient enough for that conflict but had many flaws that needed to be sorted out in later versions. The first production model for the Regia Aeronautica was 253 examples. The Cicogna went on to fight in Greece, Yugoslavia, Malta and North Africa but only did well when not facing aerial opposition.


A further development, the Br.20M (Modificato) with heavier defensive guns and broader wings was developed before Italy entered World War II in June of 1940. However the Br.20M still performed poorly and production ended after 264 examples. Both versions were deployed until Italy surrendered in 1943. By then only a few were still in service.


Interestingly, Japan purchased 100 export versions of the first run Br.20s. Their deficiencies were further confirmed in the Chinese theatre. The Japanese phased them out as soon as the Mitsubishi K.21 became available.

To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit Fiat Br.20 Cicogna Aviazione Legionaria
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.

[Ludo]

I am not really familiar with Italian planes but it's a nice looking plane, thank you for this nice bomber Captain

[stuart277]

Hi Captain Kurt
Excellent work.
Thanks.
Cheers
Stuart

[msfossey]

Thank you Captain Kurt. Looking forward to trying this one out.

msfossey

[kdriver]

Thanks very much Kurt for the lovely new Fiats. I'll be replacing all my old Br.20s with these.
Cheers,
Kevin

[Pips]

Luv it. It's outstanding.

[Roxane-21]

Thank you! This one looks great!

[skylane]

Also for the SCW version a big Thank You! Looks great!

[Rami]

Captain Kurt,

Many thanks for this model, it is indeed a very welcome surprise!

[Shadow Wolf 07]

Captain Kurt,

Many thanks for this model, it is indeed a very welcome surprise!

Thank you, Captain Kurt. I sort of sense this could be very useful in my Med installs.

[Rami]

Thank you, Captain Kurt. I sort of sense this could be very useful in my Med installs.

Greg,

It was most relevant in North Africa, Yugoslavia, and Greece during 1940-1941. However...it can also be useful in a much lesser remembered campaign....the Corpo Aereo Italiano, otherwise known as the "Chianti Raiders." From October of 1940 until January of 1941, the Regia Aeronautica flew missions against Great Britain from bases in Belgium using Fiat Cr-42 Falcos, Fiat G-50 Freecias, and Fiat Br-20M Cicognas. This model will allow you to fly the bomber missions much more effectively.

http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/falco_bob.htm

The "Corpo Aereo Italiano" is actually included in the "Battle of Britain" campaign pack created by the CFS2 BoB Team.

[Shadow Wolf 07]

Thank you sir. I remember you telling me they were used in the BoB. Note: When I say "Med Installs" I include N Africa and the Balkans.

Great to see you back in the forum!

Cheers:

Greg