Caproni Ca.101

Caproni · Italy · first flew 1928 · bomber

The Caproni Ca.101 was an Italian trimotor high-wing monoplane used as a colonial bomber and transport, seeing extensive action in the Libyan and Ethiopian campaigns of the 1930s. It combined the transport and light bombing roles typical of Italian colonial aviation.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	13.5 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Italian trimotor colonial bomber-transport
High-wing monoplane with twin tailbooms and three radials
Used in Ethiopia and Libya campaigns

A high-wing trimotor monoplane with two engines on the wing leading edge and one in the nose, twin tailbooms with a central nacelle, and a fixed spatted undercarriage. The twin-boom high-wing layout is the primary recognition feature.

Specifications

The Caproni Ca.101 has a length of 13.5 m (44 ft).
It has a wingspan of 18.8 m (62 ft).
Its maximum speed is 210 km/h (130 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering service in 1929, the Ca.101 became the workhorse of Italian colonial air operations during the 1930s. It was used heavily in Libya and in the 1935–36 Ethiopian campaign, including for controversial chemical weapons deliveries. It also served as a transport for troops and supplies in North Africa and East Africa.

Variants

The Ca.101 was produced in bomber and transport configurations; it was developed into the related Ca.111 for long-range reconnaissance.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Regia Aeronautica from 1929 through World War II in colonial and secondary theatres; also exported to Hungary.

Related aircraft

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