Delta’s Dogfight Doubles: Fiat CR. 32 Vs Polikarpov I-15Bis
The Spanish Civil War was probably the first time in the 20th Century that even Civilians were in the firing line. The reason for this was Air Power. Air power was used in a far more deadly and effective way then had ever been seen before, and new fast bombers could outrun even top notch fighters.
The power of the air bomber was shown at the bombing of Guernica in 1937, shocking the world. Newspapers reported up to around 3000 civilian casualties due to the result of the air bombardment, in which the bombers were not intercepted by fighters. It is now believed that civilian deaths numbered around 300. It’s impact was not small – it would be a wake-up call for the even worse horrors about to descend on Europe in little over 2 years time.
The Polikarpov I-15 was one of the many types operated by the Left-leaning Republican forces. Supplied in numbers by the USSR, it was reasonably effective and quite a common sight. The Right-wing Nationalists had backing from both Mussolini and Hitler. Both nations providing much better manpower and equipment in volunteer forces than the Soviets did.
The Fiat CR. 32 was one of the main types operated by the Italian volunteers. In game both aircraft have identical performance stats. However they both differ in arnament. The Fiat has 2x 12.7mm guns, with higher damage but reduced ammo count and slightly less rate of fire. The Polikarpovs have less damage, but more ammo and higher rate of fire.
I’m going to continue this Dogfight Doubles as a series – along with the Falcons. If i can work out how to animate landing gear the next one will be Jets – perhaps also from a less well-known conflict.
