In testing, the stripped, baseline aircraft proved a speedy mount and went on to set several international speed records for its class. However, its fortunes changed when the airframe was saddled with the requisite military equipment as performance began to suffer notably. Despite this, serial manufacture of the design went ahead and service entry came in 1938 with the first Italian units equipped with the type in June of 1940. Production ran from 1936 until 1940 and 149 units were completed.
In practical service, the Ba.88 was not viewed fondly by Italian aviators for it was underpowered and overweight, leading to reduced handling and agility - and combat exposure showcased these weaknesses through mounting losses. By mid-1940, the aircraft was already being replaced in frontline service which forced the Regia Aeronautica to rely on more antiquated mounts for the fighter-bomber role. The Ba.88 was retired in full by 1941 - a rather short service record for such a highly-touted aeroplane.
Original production forms, known as "Lince" ("Lynx") were designated simply as "Ba.88" and adopted for both ground attack and reconnaissance roles. The "Ba 88M" designation was given to three aircraft appearing in late-1942 and modified with Fiat A.74 RC.38 series engines as well as 4 x 127mm heavy machine guns for the ground attack role. These also included increased wing surface areas and dive brakes for the stressed involved in diving attacks. The trio arrived too late in the war to fulfill any need for the Italian surrender came in September of 1943.
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