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.
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.
