Starting from the great success of the C.R. 32 “Freccia” biplane, which proved its reliability and operational efficiency during the Spanish Civil War, Fiat developed the new C.R. 42 “Falco” at the end of the 1930s. The new single-seat biplane fighter retained the fixed landing gear and open cockpit of its predecessor but introduced several innovations, such as an entirely aluminium and steel structure covered with metal and fabric. Its air-cooled radial engine, the Fiat A.74, allowed the C.R. 42 to reach a top speed of 400 km/h. The aircraft was characterized by exceptional manoeuvrability, highly appreciated by pilots, but suffered from the inherent limitations of the biplane configuration, which hindered its operational performance compared to more modern and powerful monoplane fighters.