Fiat CR.42, MM5701, 13-95
History
MM5701 was constructed in 1940 as part of a batch of 200 CR.42s (serials MM5510–MM5709). On 6 October 1940, it was deployed to Belgium as part of the Corpo Aereo Italiano (CAI), supporting the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.The aircraft, along with others, flew from northern Italy to Maldegem, Belgium, via Germany, arriving in Ursel on 19 October after delays due to weather. Operating under the Luftwaffe designation 18/JG56, the CR.42s had limited operational range over England, typically only about ten minutes due to fuel constraints.
On 11 November 1940, during a combat sortie from Eeklo, Belgium, MM5701 suffered an oil pipe failure, causing engine overheating. Piloted by Sergente Pilota Pietro Salvadori, the aircraft fell behind the formation. Despite the mechanical issue, Salvadori managed to force-land the CR.42 on the shingle beach at Orfordness, Suffolk, without further damage.He was subsequently captured by British forces.
Following its capture, MM5701 was transported to the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough on 27 November 1940, escorted by a Hawker Hurricane. The aircraft underwent evaluation and testing by the Air Fighting Development Unit (AFDU) at RAF Duxford from April 1941 to October 1942. During this period, it participated in mock combat scenarios against various British fighters, including the Spitfire, Hurricane, Fairey Fulmar, and Grumman Martlet (F4F Wildcat). These tests were instrumental in developing RAF air combat tactics.
After completing its evaluation, MM5701 was stored at several RAF facilities. In 1978, it was moved to the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon, where it remains on display. The aircraft is painted in its original Italian markings, serving as a historical artifact of early World War II aviation.