Two prototypes of the Fiat CR.1 biplane fighter, designed by Celestino Rosatelli, were flown in 1923, and the type was selected for large- scale production for the newly formed Regia Aeronautica.

First deliveries of an eventual 240 production aircraft, designated CR.1, began in 1925.

During the 1930s many Italian CR.1s were given more powerful Isotta Fraschini engines, and these were to continue in service until 1937.

Nine aircraft were exported to Latvia. The Fiat CR.2, CR.5 and CR. 10 were variants of the basic aircraft fitted with different engines, usually on an experimental basis.

Engine: 1 x 300hp Hispano-Suiza 42 8-cylinder

Take-off weight: 1154 kg / 2544 lb

Wingspan: 8.95 m / 29 ft 4 in

Length: 6.16 m / 20 ft 3 in

Height: 2.40 m / 7 ft 10 in

Max. Speed: 272 km/h / 169 mph

Ceiling: 7450 m / 24450 ft

Armament: 2 x 7.7mm machine guns