Fiat CR.42 vs Gloster Gladiator

[Civettone]

I've read that the DB 601 build never happened. The max speed figure was theoretical.


Kris

[Juha]

Hello Cris
one was built. There is a photo on it in Air Enthusiast 20.

Juha

[RAF_Loke]

It all comes down to the skills of the pilot.

[VG-33]

Originally Posted by Colin1

Before I vote
how does the CR.42 weighing in heavier than the Gladiator, climb faster with the same rated horsepower?

Hello Colin

J have asked to myself the same question.

In theory, the Gladiator having the same power to weight ratio but lower wing loading should be the best climber.

But there might be some explanation:

- The Falco had a constant-speed propeller giving better output at low speeds.
- The Falco being a sesquiplane (the under wing had 50% or less aera than the top one) had better aerodynamical efficiency than a pure biplane like the Gladiator.
- Some mistake in rate of climbing values: there are obviously mean and not instant ones. It's better to compare planes by curves and not numbers. Since Falco maintained power at higher altitude, the mean value is better for that one



From belgian site:
Site du 350ieme Squadron

the Fiat was considered as the best biplane, even if it was bought for desesperate reasons, not by choice: other modenr planes being unavalable for import.

It suffered from technical troubles but was popular with its pilots.

Difficult to found testimonys ower days about belgians CR-42 vs Gladiator in simulated fights. Moroever by late 39/ early 40 both were considered as obsolete equaly by gen Coppens and the bulk of fighter pilots. That explains maybe the lack of interest for such an experiment

Regards

[vikingBerserker]

Great info VG.

[Lucky13]

Which was the German equivalent to the CR.42 and the Gladiator, did they have any?

[B-17engineer]

They had the Fieseler Fi 167, Hs 123, Hs 126 and I don't know what others and how they matched up to the Cr.42 Falco or Gladiator.

I know Germany had some Falcos

[Juha]

The last biplane fighter used by LW was IIRC Arado Ar 68, some were still in use in Sept 39 as night fighters IIRC.

Juha

[B-17engineer]

Ar 68 was one ugly looking beast.

[Vincenzo]

Originally Posted by Lucky13

Which was the German equivalent to the CR.42 and the Gladiator, did they have any?

i think we can reply with Bf 109, the Gladiator it's only a few months oldest of 109 (seeing the operational date)

[Colin1]

Originally Posted by Vincenzo

i think we can reply with Bf 109, the Gladiator it's only a few months oldest of 109 (seeing the operational date)

Didn't Henschel have a biplane contemporary of the Gladiator?

[VG-33]

Originally Posted by Colin1

Didn't Henschel have a biplane contemporary of the Gladiator?

Yes he did, but the Hs 123 was never used as a fighter, only for ground support missions AFAIK.

[Civettone]

I can't find it anymore. I recall seeing the CR 42DB picture so now I remember it was built. But I distinctly remember that maximum speed was theoretical and never achieved. But as I can't come up with where I read it ... just disregard (for now)


Kris

[dragonandhistail]

Does anyone have the record of the Gladiator vs. the CR42? I would think the quality and aggressiveness of British pilots would win out hands down?

[Marcel]

Originally Posted by Colin1

Didn't Henschel have a biplane contemporary of the Gladiator?

I think you mean the Heinkel He51