Fiat BR.20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_BR.20

The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna (Italian: "stork") was a low-wing twin-engine medium
bomber that was developed and manufactured by Italian aircraft company Fiat. It
holds the distinction of being the first all-metal Italian bomber to enter
service; at the time, it was regarded as one of the most modern medium bombers
in the world.

The BR.20 has its origins in a request by the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Royal
Air Force) issued during 1934 for a new medium bomber capable of high speeds,
long range, and satisfactory payload, reliability, and flight characteristics
compared to contemporaries. Among the companies that chose to respond was Fiat,
which completed its design for the competition during 1935. On 10 February 1936,
the first prototype (serial number M.M.274) conducted its maiden flight. Flight
testing proceeded at a rapid pace; during September 1936, initial deliveries of
the type commenced to the Regia Aeronautica.

During summer 1937, the BR.20 received its baptism of fire when a number were
operated by the Aviazione Legionaria during the Spanish Civil War; the BR-20
came to form the backbone of Nationalist bombing operations, along with the
German-built Heinkel He 111. It was also used in combat during the 1930s with
relative success by the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War. During
1939, a modified long-range BR.20 version (designated BR.20L) named Santo
Francesco under the command of Maner Lualdi performed a highly publicised
non-stop flight from Rome to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Upon the entry of Italy into the Second World War during mid-1940, the BR.20
served as the standard medium bomber of the Regia Aeronautica, however, by that
point, the type was already approaching obsolescence. By 1942, the aircraft was
mostly used for maritime patrol and operational training for bomber crews. The
BR.20 was produced from the mid-1930s until the end of the Second World War.
More than 500 were produced before the end of the war.


Role
Medium bomber

Manufacturer
Fiat

Designer
Celestino Rosatelli

First flight
10 February 1936

Introduction
1936

Retired
1945

Status
Retired

Primary users
Regia Aeronautica
Japan
Spain

Number built
Fiat BR.20 (233)
Fiat BR.20M (279)

Early service

When, near the end of 1936, the 13° Stormo Bombardamento Terrestre (in Lonate
Pozzolo) was equipped with the "Cicognas" it was probably the most modern
bombing unit in the world at that time. Shortly after entering service with the
Regia Aeronautica, the aircraft became central to the propaganda campaign
lauding Italian engineering. During 1937, a pair of stripped-down BR.20s,
designated as the BR.20A, were custom-built for entry into the prestigious
Istres–Damascus air race; these aircraft were able to obtain sixth and seventh
place in the race while rivals S.M.79s achieved the first place, the Fiat-built
bomber being obviously slower. The BR.20A featured a rounded nose, similar to
civil aircraft, while all of the normal military hardware, such as defensive
turrets, had been removed. In its place, the internal fuel capacity was
increased to 7,700 L (2,034 US gal), bringing the maximum range to 6,200 km
(3,850 mi).

During 1939, a modified long-range BR.20 version, designated as the BR.20L,
named Santo Francesco under the command of Maner Lualdi performed a highly
publicised non-stop flight from Rome to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during which an
average speed of 390 km/h (240 mph) was recorded. The modified aircraft carried
5,000 l (1,321 US gal) of fuel which increased its range from 3,000 km (1,864
mi) to 4,500 km (2,800 mi). The BR.20L was also used to test a newly developed
autopilot built by Microtecnica.

It was during the Battle of Britain, in which Axis aircraft flew over the
English Channel to directly challenge the British mainland itself, that the
BR.20 showed its limitations for the first time. On 10 September 1940, the Corpo
Aereo Italiano was formed, with 13° and 43° Stormi equipped with 80 brand-new
BR.20Ms, to fight in the Battle of Britain. During the ferry operation from
Italy to their bases in Belgium, five aircraft crash-landed because of technical
failures and a lack of navigational training, while a further 17 BR.20s were
forced to land en route due to poor visibility. On the night of 24 October, the
13° and 43° took off for their first bombing mission, over Harwich, deploying
eight BR.20s each. One bomber crashed on take off, as a result of engine
failure, while two more got lost on their return, failing to find their airfield
and their crews bailing out. On 29 October, 15 aircraft of 43° Stormo bombed
Ramsgate, in daylight, with no loss.

During a famous battle on 11 November, a formation of 10 BR.20s from 43° Stormo,
escorted by Fiat CR.42 biplane fighters – but not by the Fiat G.50s – on a
daylight raid on Harwich, was intercepted by Royal Air Force (RAF) Hawker
Hurricane fighters. Despite the escort, three bombers were downed (together with
three CR.42s) and three more damaged, with no loss to the Hurricanes. British
Prime Minister Winston Churchill commented on this raid, which occurred on the
same day as the Fleet Air Arm's attack on Taranto: "They might have found better
employment defending their Fleet at Taranto."

The BR.20s of the Corpo Aereo Italiano nevertheless bombed both Ipswich and
Harwich on the nights of 5, 17, 20, 29 November, three times in December and
twice at the beginning of January, with no losses suffered. On 10 January 1941,
the 43° Stormo flew back to Italy, followed by the 13° before the end of the
month as the Axis bombing campaign dwindled. During 12 days of bombing missions,
the “Cicognas” dropped 54,320 kg (119,755 lbs); three aircraft were lost to
enemy fire, 17 more for other reasons and 15 airmen were killed. Almost 200
modern aircraft were engaged in the campaign, which involved an opportunity cost
in the form of weakening the Regia Aeronautica's presence in the Mediterranean.

Specifications (Fiat Br.20M)

General characteristics
Crew: 5
Length: 16.68 m (54 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 21.56 m (70 ft 8.75 in)
Height: 4.75 m (15 ft 7 in)
Wing area: 74.0 m² (796.5 ft²)
Empty weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 10,100 kg (22,270 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Fiat A.80 RC.41 18-cylinder radial engine, 746 kW (1,000 hp)
each

Performance
Maximum speed: 440 km/h (273 mph)
Cruise speed: 340 km/h (211 mph)
Range: 2750 km (1,709 mi)
Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,250 ft)

Armament

Guns: 3× 12.7 mm (.5 in) Breda-SAFAT machine guns
Bombs: 1,600 kg (3,530 lb) of bombs




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