Caproni Ca.133

Caproni · Italy · first flew 1934 · transport aircraft

The Caproni Ca.133 was an Italian trimotor high-wing transport and light bomber, a refined development of the Ca.101 series, used extensively as the primary Italian colonial transport and bomber during the 1930s and early World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.36 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Italian trimotor colonial transport-bomber with twin tailbooms
High-wing monoplane with fixed spatted undercarriage
Extensively used in Ethiopian campaign 1935–36

Similar to the Ca.101 but larger, with three radial engines (one in nose, two on wing), twin tailbooms, high monoplane wing, and a fixed spatted undercarriage. The larger dimensions and enclosed cabin distinguish it from the Ca.101.

Specifications

The Caproni Ca.133 has a length of 15.36 m (50 ft).
It has a wingspan of 21.24 m (70 ft).
Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
Typical crew: 4.

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

History

Entering service in 1935, the Ca.133 became the backbone of Italian colonial air transport and played a major role in the Ethiopian campaign of 1935–36. It was also used for troop transport and light bombing in East Africa and North Africa in the early years of World War II. Despite its age, production continued through 1939.

Variants

The Ca.133T was a pure transport variant; Ca.133S was a special communications version. All shared the basic trimotor twin-boom high-wing formula.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Regia Aeronautica from 1935 in East Africa, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, remaining in secondary service until 1943. Also operated by civil Italian airlines.

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