The F.4 project was not pursued immediately because the Italian Air Ministry held its proposed engine in disfavor, but development of the F.5 continued.

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).

The Regia Aeronautica assigned the 11 preproduction F.5 fighters to the 300° Squadriglia, 51° Stormo for operational use.

Data from Italian Civil and Military Aircraft 1930-1945 [1]General characteristics Performance Armament