The promising nature of the Fiat submission meant that the aircraft was fast-tracked into certification and serial production. Deliveries began occurring as soon as September 1936 to which point the series was available in quantity to take part in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) the following year (serving under the banner of the Aviazone Legionaria on the side of the Nationalists). They were operated alongside the German-originated Heinkel He 111 medium bombers to good effect - that bomb also making its combat debut in the conflict. The Empire of Japan also employed the Italian bomber in their Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) against China.
World War 2 arrived in September of 1939 but the Italians did not join in until October 13th, 1940 on the side of the Axis powers. By this time, the BR.20 was fully entrenched as the Regia Aeronautica's frontline medium bombing platform. However, the bomber was quickly found to be outclassed by the new generation of interceptors and fighters being utilized by the Allies. It lacked a proper defensive scheme, had a modest bomb load, and performed relatively poorly against contemporary bombers of similar role.
By 1942, the series was relegated to second-line roles that included bomber training and maritime patrol duty. In these roles, the series continued on into service until 1945 at which point the war would end. Back in September of 1943, the Italians capitulated as an Axis power and remerged as an Allied supporter to complete their part in the war.
Initial production models were known simply as BR.20 and 233 examples were completed. A pair of modified bombers existed as the BR.20A and used in air racing endeavors for a time. The BR.20L was a long-ranged-minded variant for the civilian market but only one airframe was completed to the standard in 1939. The next notable form was the BR.20M which introduced various improvements about the design as well as a lengthened nose section. 264 examples followed. The BR.20C was a one-off airframe converted by Agusta by way of fitting a single 37mm autocannon in the nose. This design was not furthered. The BR.20bis was a new design standard incorporating 2 x Fiat A.82 RC.42 radial engines of 1,250 horsepower, new all-glass nose section, and increased internal volume.
The BR.20 fought under several flags during the period beyond the Italians and Japanese. The Chinese claimed one captured specimen and flew this against the former owner from 1939 onward. The Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force also utilized the type after the Italian surrender of 1943. The Spanish State operated several under the Ejercito del Aire (EdA) banner. Other customers could be found in Croatia, Hungary, and Venezuela (single example).
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