 The F.5 prototype first flew on 19 February 1939.The aircraft displayed very high maneuverability during official testing, prompting an order for both a second prototype and 12 preproduction models.The last of the preproduction aircraft was selected for use as a prototype in a renewed F.4 program, but the rest of the F.5 order was delivered to the "Regia Aeronautica" (Italian Royal Air Force).