Two prototypes of the Fiat
CR.1 biplane fighter, designed by Celestino Rosatelli (hence the CR prefix), 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.