The Fiat CR42 Falco, was the last fighter biplane of the Regia Aeronautica (the italian royal airforce), as well as the last in history to shoot down an enemy aircraft, in 1945. It still holds the record of aircraft built in the largest number in Italy, 1800 between 1938 and 1944. It was built on a project by the engineer Celestino Rosatelli on the basis of the positive experiences obtained by his predecessor, the CR32, during the Spanish Civil War. As soon as he entered the line, he was welcomed favorably by the Italian pilots, who appreciated its robustness and maneuverability. They fought in the skies of the French, Greek and above all Libyan front, where they performed well until the entry on the scene of the much more powerful and armed English monoplane such as the Hurricanes and above all the Spitfires. In April 1941, replaced in the fighter squadrons by the Macchi 200, he had a second operational life as a fighter-bomber, revealing himself unexpectedly valid, thanks to the sturdiness of the structure and the resistance of the radial engine to hits from the ground. Used after 8 September 1943 also by the Luftwaffe for anti-partisan strafing actions, on 8 February 1945 a CR42 made history by shooting down an American P-38 Lightning in the Yugoslav skies.

The 1/200 scale Falco measures 4.13 cm in length, 4.85 cm in upper wingspan and 3.25 in lower wingspan. It's divided into two parts: the main body and the propeller. In the zip file you will find also a standing for the plane. You will appreciate the details of the model, useful for dioramas and wargames.