WOW270 Fiat BR.20 ‘Japanese Version’

Description

The Fiat BR.20 Cicogna or Stork was a low-wing twin-engine medium bomber developed and manufactured by Fiat. It holds the distinction of being the first all-metal bomber to enter Italian service and was regarded as one of the most modern medium bombers in the world at the time. The primary mission of the aircraft was to perform medium-range bombing runs. The plane was provided with a large number of design features that were very advanced for its time: the aircraft was capable of a maximum speed in excess of 400 km/h (250 mph) and a relatively high cruise speed of 320 km/h (200 mph), being as fast as the better of its international competitors, such as the Tupolev SB light bomber.

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 other contemporaries. 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 late 1930s with relative success by the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was given the combat name ‘Ruth’ by the Allies.

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. The BR.20 also saw action over Great Britain, North Africa, Malta and the Soviet Union during its career. It had a 5 man crew and was considered effective for its time, but was vulnerable to modern fighters like the Spitfire and Hurricane which it frequently came into contact with. The Cigona was nearly 55ft long with a 71 feet wingspan making this a comparable size aircraft with the German Heinkel 111, as such its a relatively large 1/32 scale Mahogany model.

This particular 1/32 scale version comes in Japanese markings and is limited to 2 pieces worldwide.