Caproni Ca.2
Caproni · Italy · first flew 1914 · bomber
The Caproni Ca.2 was an early Italian WWI strategic bomber featuring a distinctive triple-fuselage biplane (sometimes described as triplane-tailed) layout with three engines and substantial bomb capacity for its era. It was among the first purpose-built heavy bombers to see combat.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.05 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large WWI Italian biplane bomber with central crew nacelle and twin tail booms
- Three tractor/pusher piston engines — two tractor in nacelles and one pusher aft
- Open gunner positions in nose and aft nacelles
The twin-boom arrangement carrying a tail between two outer engine nacelles, combined with the wide triplane wing cellule, makes Caproni Ca bombers instantly recognisable.
Specifications
- The Caproni Ca.2 has a length of 11.05 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 22.74 m (75 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 133 km/h (83 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Evolved from Gianni Caproni's earlier designs, the Ca.2 entered service with the Italian Air Service (Corpo Aeronautico Militare) from 1915, conducting raids against Austro-Hungarian targets. Its three-engine arrangement — two tractor engines in outer nacelles and one pusher centrally — was unconventional but effective.
Variants
The Ca.1 was the initial version; Ca.2 introduced a more powerful engine fit; subsequent Ca.3, Ca.4, and Ca.5 types progressively increased size and power.
Where you'll see it
Served with Italian forces on the Italian Front from 1915 and was also operated by French and American units in limited numbers.
Related aircraft
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