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__NOTOC__
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name=Ca.111
|name=Ca.111
|image=Image:Caproni Ca.111bis.jpg
|image=Caproni Ca.111bis.jpg
|caption=Caproni Ca.111''bis''
|caption=Caproni Ca.111''bis''
⚫
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type=[[Reconnaissance aircraft]] and light [[bomber]]
|type=[[Reconnaissance aircraft]] and light [[bomber]]
|manufacturer=[[Caproni]]
|manufacturer=[[Caproni]]
|designer=[[Rodolfo Verduzio]]
|designer=[[Rodolfo Verduzio]]
|first flight=February [[1932 in aviation|1932]]
|first_flight=February [[1932 in aviation|1932]]
|introduction=
|introduced=
|retired=
|retired=
|status=
|status=
|primary_user=[[Regia Aeronautica]]
|primary user=
|more users=
|more_users=
|produced=
|produced=
|number_built=152 + 2 prototypes <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/caproni_ca,59.html |title=Sito in fase di allestimento |access-date=2014-11-26 |archive-date=2020-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204065202/http://www.alieuomini.it/catalogo/dettaglio_catalogo/caproni_ca,59.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|number built=148
|variants with their own articles=
|variants=
}}
}}
|}


The '''Caproni Ca.111''' was a long-range [[reconnaissance aircraft]] and [[light bomber]] produced in [[Italy]] during the 1930s. It was a derivative of the [[Caproni Ca.101|Ca.101]].
The '''Caproni Ca.111''' was a long-range [[reconnaissance aircraft]] and [[light bomber]] produced in [[Italy]] during the 1930s. It was a derivative of the [[Caproni Ca.101|Ca.101]].
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A robust and simple aircraft, it was meant to be used in harsh conditions with minimal support. It was designed by the engineer Rodolfo Verduzio of [[Gianni Caproni]] in 1931, and first flew in February 1932 as MM 205.
A robust and simple aircraft, it was meant to be used in harsh conditions with minimal support. It was designed by the engineer Rodolfo Verduzio of [[Gianni Caproni]] in 1931, and first flew in February 1932 as MM 205.


This aircraft was a high-wing [[monoplane]], built with a robust but simple structure consisting of a tubular steel skeleton with a fabric and wood skin. Derived from the earlier [[Caproni Ca.101|Ca.101]], it used a different engine. The [[fuselage]] was of square section, and the wing was practically rectangular, with the extremities sloped and the [[aileron]]s running the whole length of the [[trailing edge]]. Steel tubing was also used for the [[undercarriage]]. This was fixed and had a complex structure that had two legs supported by several steel tubes between the fuselage and the wings.
This aircraft was a high-wing [[monoplane]], built with a robust but simple structure consisting of a tubular steel skeleton with a fabric and wood skin. Derived from the earlier [[Caproni Ca.101|Ca.101]], it used a different engine. The [[fuselage]] was of square section, and the wing was practically rectangular, with the extremities sloped and the [[aileron]]s running the whole length of the [[trailing edge]]. Steel tubing was also used for the [[Landing gear|undercarriage]]. This was fixed and had a complex structure that had two legs supported by several steel tubes between the fuselage and the wings.


The crew consisted of three men. The [[aircraft pilot|pilot]], a [[First Officer (civil aviation)|co-pilot]]/observer and a [[flight engineer]]/[[Air gunner|gunner]].
The crew consisted of three men. The [[aircraft pilot|pilot]], a [[First Officer (civil aviation)|co-pilot]]/observer and a [[flight engineer]]/[[Air gunner|gunner]].
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The main innovation was the engine. While the previous Ca.101 had three units, the newer type had only one. This was a risk because the engines of the time were not very reliable. It seems that the gamble paid off as the Ca.111 was faster than the three-engine Ca.101 and even the [[Caproni Ca.133|Ca.133]]. The engine was a water-cooled Isotta Fraschini Asso 750RC 18-cylinder in a 'W' layout. The first examples were equipped with a four-blade wooden propeller. Later models were fitted with a three-blade metal propeller with variable pitch. The required pitch had to be set on the ground and was not variable in flight. It was heavier and more expensive but provided a worthwhile improvement.
The main innovation was the engine. While the previous Ca.101 had three units, the newer type had only one. This was a risk because the engines of the time were not very reliable. It seems that the gamble paid off as the Ca.111 was faster than the three-engine Ca.101 and even the [[Caproni Ca.133|Ca.133]]. The engine was a water-cooled Isotta Fraschini Asso 750RC 18-cylinder in a 'W' layout. The first examples were equipped with a four-blade wooden propeller. Later models were fitted with a three-blade metal propeller with variable pitch. The required pitch had to be set on the ground and was not variable in flight. It was heavier and more expensive but provided a worthwhile improvement.


Fuel capacity was 1,690&nbsp;L (446&nbsp;US gal) in two tanks, one of 1,060&nbsp;L (280&nbsp;US gal) and one of 440&nbsp;L (116&nbsp;US gal). Range was 2,000&nbsp;km (1,240&nbsp;mi). The oil tank was below the engine and contained 150&nbsp;L (40&nbsp;US gal).
Fuel capacity was 1,960&nbsp;L (446&nbsp;US gal) in two tanks, one of 1,060&nbsp;L (280&nbsp;US gal) and two of 450&nbsp;L (116&nbsp;US gal). Range was 2,000&nbsp;km (1,240&nbsp;mi). The oil tank was below the engine and contained 150&nbsp;L (40&nbsp;US gal).


Maximum payload was 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,410&nbsp;lb), but if necessary could be raised to 2,500-2,800&nbsp;kg (5,510-6,170&nbsp;lb).
Maximum payload was 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,410&nbsp;lb), but if necessary could be raised to 2,500-2,800&nbsp;kg (5,510-6,170&nbsp;lb).


The [[cockpit]] [[Flight instruments|instrument]]s were repeated for each pilot. The instrument fit included a 'Pezzoni' compass, a 'Sonia' aerometer, a [[variometer]], 'OMI' altimeters and fire detectors with extinguisher controls. The [[Aircraft canopy|canopy]] was detachable to allow for exit in an emergency. There was also a rice-transmitter radio, for the marconist-gunner. This consisted of a RE 350 and AR 5 transmitter-receiver. This allowed both telegraphic and voice transmissions. To make this possible, there were two radio antennas: one fixed, one flexible. There were two accumulators and two air-generators. Finally, there was a photographic, photoplanimetric O.M.I. 13x18 camera, or a OMI APR 3 panoramic. Sometimes, a cine-machine-gun was also fitted.
The [[cockpit]] [[Flight instruments|instrument]]s were repeated for each pilot. The instrument panel included a 'Pezzoni' compass, a 'Sonia' aerometer, a [[variometer]], 'OMI' altimeters and fire detectors with extinguisher controls. The [[Aircraft canopy|canopy]] was detachable to allow for exit in an emergency. There was also a rice-transmitter radio, for the wireless-operator/gunner. This consisted of a RE 350 and AR 5 transmitter-receiver. This allowed both telegraphic and voice transmissions. To make this possible, there were two radio antennas: one fixed, one flexible. There were two accumulators and two air-generators. Finally, there was a photographic, photoplanimetric O.M.I. 13x18 camera, or an OMI APR 3 panoramic. Sometimes, a cine-machine-gun was also fitted.


Defensive armament varied between three and six 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[machine gun]]s. Initially, the armament was quite weak, one 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[Lewis Gun]] in the dorsal position, and one in each beam position. This was a serious failing as the gunner could only man one weapon at a time. One improvement was the replacement of the single dorsal gun by a turret fitted with two 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[Breda]]s. Another machine gun was sometimes fitted in the ventral position, both for offensive and defensive tasks. Some examples also had a machine gun fixed in the nose, firing with a synchronizer through the propeller disk.
Defensive armament varied between three and six 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[machine gun]]s. Initially, the armament was quite weak, one 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[Lewis Gun]] in the dorsal position, and one in each beam position. This was a serious failing as the gunner could only man one weapon at a time. One improvement was the replacement of the single dorsal gun by a turret fitted with two 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) [[Breda]]s. Another machine gun was sometimes fitted in the ventral position, both for offensive and defensive tasks. Some examples also had a machine gun fixed in the nose, firing with a synchronizer through the propeller disk.
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One example had a 746&nbsp;kW (1,000&nbsp;hp) A.80 engine.
One example had a 746&nbsp;kW (1,000&nbsp;hp) A.80 engine.
[[Image:Caproni Ca.111Idro.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Caproni Ca.111''Idro'' [[floatplane]]]]
[[File:Caproni Ca.111Idro.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Caproni Ca.111''Idro'' [[floatplane]]]]
Possibly the most important version was the [[seaplane]], fitted with two 'shoes' under the belly. It had been tested in 1932 and was called the '''Ca.111 ''Idro'''''. The ''Idro'' version was the first to enter service. It was almost identical to the land version, but weighted 3,500&nbsp;kg (7,720&nbsp;lb) and had a 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,410&nbsp;lb) payload. The two shoes were made of cedarwood. The engine remained the same but with 1,940&nbsp;L (510&nbsp;US gal) of fuel. Range was greater, but speed was reduced. Defensive weapons were four 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) Lewis guns with 2,000 cartridges each. Bombload was similar to that shown above. An 800&nbsp;kg (1,760&nbsp;lb) [[torpedo]] could also be carried.
Possibly the most important version was the [[seaplane]], fitted with two floats under the belly. It had been tested in 1932 and was called the '''Ca.111 ''Idro'''''. The ''Idro'' version was the first to enter service. It was almost identical to the land version, but weighed 3,500&nbsp;kg (7,720&nbsp;lb) and had a 2,000&nbsp;kg (4,410&nbsp;lb) payload. The two floats were made of cedarwood. The engine remained the same but with 1,940&nbsp;L (510&nbsp;US gal) of fuel. Range was greater, but speed was reduced. Defensive weapons were four 7.7&nbsp;mm (.303&nbsp;in) Lewis guns with 2,000 cartridges each. Bombload was similar to that shown above. An 800&nbsp;kg (1,760&nbsp;lb) [[torpedo]] could also be carried.


==Operational history==
==Operational history==

===Italy===
===Italy===
The first examples were used by 146 and 183 ''Squadriglia'', 85° ''Gruppo'', to perform [[Maritime patrol|maritime reconnaissance]], followed by the 142. They had six machines each. After just a year, these machines were replaced by CANT Z.501s. The aircraft were not scrapped but converted for land use, complete with undercarriage. Over 100 machines were rebuilt between 1934 and 1936. 25 were ''Idro'' versions.
The first examples were used by 146 and 183 ''Squadriglia'', 85° ''Gruppo'', to perform [[Maritime patrol|maritime reconnaissance]], followed by the 142. They had six machines each. After just a year, these machines were replaced by CANT Z.501s. The aircraft were not scrapped but converted for land use, complete with undercarriage. Over 100 machines were rebuilt between 1934 and 1936. 25 were ''Idro'' versions.


The Ca.111 was used as a long-range work-horse by the ''Regia Aeronautica''. Its main employment was in the [[Second Italo-Abyssinian War]]. This aircraft was, like all other machines, sent to the Ethiopian theatre by sea. The aircraft performed a variety of tasks, such as long-range reconnaissance, [[Ground-attack aircraft|ground attack]], bombing, and as a refuelling machine. It was even used to drop live animals to the troops. The aircraft was well suited to this kind of environment. It was relatively simple to maintain and could often be repaired with local materials. In this theatre, it was second only to the SM.81, which was much more sophisticated.
The Ca.111 was used as a long-range work-horse by the ''Regia Aeronautica''. Its main employment was in the [[Second Italo-Abyssinian War]]. This aircraft was, like all other machines, sent to the Ethiopian theatre by sea. The aircraft performed a variety of tasks, such as long-range reconnaissance, [[Ground-attack aircraft|ground attack]], bombing, and as a refuelling machine. It was even used to drop live animals to the troops. The aircraft was well suited to this kind of environment. It was relatively simple to maintain and could often be repaired with local materials. In this theatre, it was second only to the SM.81, which was much more sophisticated.


On the whole, this machine was cheap, robust and reliable. It had good performance and could be armed with a variety of ordnance. It was also highly vulnerable and so was not deployed to places like [[Spain]].
On the whole, this machine was cheap, robust and reliable. It had good performance and could be armed with a variety of ordnance. It was also highly vulnerable and so was not deployed to places like [[Spain]].


Nevertheless, the machine served until the early 1940s, when it was replaced as a reconnaissance aircraft by the [[Cant Z.501]] and the [[Ro.37]]. It was then used in the photoplannimetric role and as a supplier of isolated troops, this time in the Balkans, after the 'conquest' of [[Yugoslavia]].
Nevertheless, the machine served until the early 1940s, when it was replaced as a reconnaissance aircraft by the [[Cant Z.501]] and the [[IMAM Ro.37]]. It was then used in the photoplannimetric role and as a supplier of isolated troops, this time in the Balkans, after the [[Invasion of Yugoslavia|conquest of Yugoslavia]].


===Peru===
===Peru===
[[Peru]] took delivery of a number of Ca.111s in the 1930s which they nicknamed ''Panchos'' for use as "heavy" bombers, but found them unsatisfactory in service and by 1935 had begun to consider replacing them. In 1936, Peru ordered [[Caproni Ca.135]] bombers—which entered [[Peruvian Air Force]] service in 1937—as replacements for its Ca.111s. However, Peru never procured enough Ca.135s to replace its Ca.111s; Ca.111s served in Peruvian Air Force heavy bomber squadrons alongside the new Ca.135s until 1940, when all Peruvian Ca.111s were reassigned for use as [[Military transport aircraft|transport aircraft]].<ref>[http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_225.shtml The Latin American Aviation Historical Society: South American Aviation: "The Caproni Bergamaschi Ca.135 in Peruvian Service" by Amaru Tincopa Gallegos].</ref> Peru which had a small unit of paratroopers trained by Italy, during the [[Ecuadorian–Peruvian War#War|Zarumilla War]] of 1941 dropped a small number of paratroopers from Ca. 111 R.C. aircraft on 27 July to seize the river port of Port Bolivar in disputed territory. This was the first combat use of paratroopers in South American or North America's military history.
[[Peru]] took delivery of a number of Ca.111s in the 1930s which they nicknamed ''Panchos'' for use as "heavy" bombers, but found them unsatisfactory in service and by 1935 had begun to consider replacing them. In 1936, Peru ordered [[Caproni Ca.135]] bombers—which entered [[Peruvian Air Force]] service in 1937—as replacements for its Ca.111s. However, Peru never procured enough Ca.135s to replace its Ca.111s; Ca.111s served in Peruvian Air Force heavy bomber squadrons alongside the new Ca.135s until 1940, when all Peruvian Ca.111s were reassigned for use as [[Military transport aircraft|transport aircraft]].<ref>[http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_225.shtml The Latin American Aviation Historical Society: South American Aviation: "The Caproni Bergamaschi Ca.135 in Peruvian Service" by Amaru Tincopa Gallegos]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}.</ref> Peru which had a small unit of paratroopers trained by Italy, during the [[Ecuadorian–Peruvian War#War|Zarumilla War]] of 1941 dropped a small number of paratroopers from Ca. 111 R.C. aircraft on 27 July to seize the river port of Port Bolivar in disputed territory. This was the first combat use of paratroopers in South American or North America's military history.


===China===
<!-- ==Variants== -->
The Caproni Ca.111 also served in China during the 1930's. It was delivered to China due to the outburst of the [[Second Sino-Japanese War]]. Italy supported China by providing military aid, including The Ca.111. It was used for reconnaissance, transport, and supply missions. Although it is the best for a long range plane it did face challenges like diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. It posed a serious threat's and difficulties for the Ca.111, Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures and monsoons, affected flight performance.


==Operators==
==Operators==
;{{flagcountry|Kingdom of Italy}}
;{{flagcountry|Nationalist government}}
* [[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
;{{flag|Kingdom of Italy}}
*''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''
*''[[Regia Aeronautica]]''
;{{PER}}
;{{PER}}
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==Specifications (Ca.111)==
==Specifications (Ca.111)==
⚫
{{Aircraft specs
{{aerospecs
|prime units? = met
|ref=
|met or eng?=<!-- eng for US/UK aircraft, met for all others -->met
|crew=2-4
|crew=2-4
|capacity=
|length m=15.30
|length m=15.30
|length ft=50
|length ft=50
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|span ft=64
|span ft=64
|span in=3
|span in=3
|width m=<!-- if applicable -->
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|height m=3.85
|height m=3.85
|height ft=12
|height ft=12
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|gross weight lb=12,103
|gross weight lb=12,103
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 type=[[Isotta-Fraschini]] Asso 750 RC
|eng1 name=[[Isotta Fraschini Asso 750]]
|eng1 kw=619
|eng1 kw=619
|eng1 hp=830
|eng1 hp=830
|eng2 number=
|eng2 type=
|eng2 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng2 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|max speed kmh=290
|max speed kmh=290
|max speed mph=180
|max speed mph=180
|cruise speed kmh=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|cruise speed mph=<!-- if max speed unknown -->
|range km=1,300
|range km=1,300
|range miles=808
|range miles=808
|endurance h=<!-- if range unknown -->
|endurance min=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=6,700
|ceiling m=6,700
|ceiling ft=21,980
|ceiling ft=21,980
|climb rate ms=3.1
|climb rate ms=3.1
|climb rate ftmin=610
|climb rate ftmin=610
|armament1=4 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]] in flexible positions in dorsal, ventral, and beam positions
|armament = *4 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun]] in flexible positions in dorsal, ventral, and beam positions
|armament2=Up to 600 kg (1,323 lb) of bombs
*Up to 600 kg (1,323 lb) of bombs
|armament3=
|armament4=
|armament5=
|armament6=
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{aircontent
{{aircontent
|related=
<!-- include as many lines are appropriate. additional lines/entries with carriage return. -->
|similar aircraft=
|related=<!-- related developments -->
|lists=
|similar aircraft=<!-- similar or comparable aircraft -->
⚫
*[[List of Interwar military aircraft]]
|sequence=<!-- designation sequence, if appropriate -->
|see also=
← [[Caproni Ca.108|Ca.108]] -
[[Caproni Ca.109|Ca.109]] -
[[Caproni Ca.110|Ca.110]] -
'''Ca.111''' -
[[Caproni Ca.112|Ca.112]] -
[[Caproni Ca.113|Ca.113]] -
[[Caproni Ca.114|Ca.114]] →
⚫
|lists=<!-- related lists -->* [[List of Interwar military aircraft]]
|see also=<!-- other relevant information -->
}}
}}


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* {{cite book |last= Taylor |first= Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |pages=234 }}
* {{cite book |last= Taylor |first= Michael J. H. |title=Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation |year=1989 |publisher=Studio Editions |location=London |pages=234 }}
* {{cite book |title=World Aircraft Information Files |publisher=Bright Star Publishing|location=London |pages=File 891 Sheet 10 }}
* {{cite book |title=World Aircraft Information Files |publisher=Bright Star Publishing|location=London |pages=File 891 Sheet 10 }}
*[http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_225.shtml The Latin American Aviation Historical Society: South American Aviation: "The Caproni Bergamaschi Ca.135 in Peruvian Service" by Amaru Tincopa Gallegos]
*[http://www.laahs.com/artman/publish/article_225.shtml The Latin American Aviation Historical Society: South American Aviation: "The Caproni Bergamaschi Ca.135 in Peruvian Service" by Amaru Tincopa Gallegos]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Caproni Ca.111}}
* [http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/album/showphoto.php?photo=6867 Caproni Ca.111] Photo
* [http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/album/showphoto.php?photo=6867 Caproni Ca.111] Photo
* [http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbackend.710302.xyz%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fwww.arribasiemprearriba.com%2FArticulos%2FParacaidismoEnElPeru.htm&sl=es&tl=en Peruvian Paratroopers in 1941 War between Peru and Ecuador with photos of paratroopers and Ca. 111 before take off - translated from Spanish to English]
* [https://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbackend.710302.xyz%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fwww.arribasiemprearriba.com%2FArticulos%2FParacaidismoEnElPeru.htm&sl=es&tl=en Peruvian Paratroopers in 1941 War between Peru and Ecuador with photos of paratroopers and Ca. 111 before take off - translated from Spanish to English]


{{Caproni aircraft}}
{{Caproni aircraft}}
{{Portal bar|Italy|Companies|Aviation}}
{{aviation lists}}


[[Category:Italian military reconnaissance aircraft 1930–1939]]
[[Category:Caproni aircraft|Ca.111]]
[[Category:Caproni aircraft|Ca.111]]
[[Category:Peruvian Air Force]]
[[Category:1930s Italian military reconnaissance aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]

[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[it:Caproni Ca.111]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1932]]

Latest revision as of 19:39, 1 November 2024

Ca.111
Caproni Ca.111bis
General information
TypeReconnaissance aircraft and light bomber
ManufacturerCaproni
Designer
Primary userRegia Aeronautica
Number built152 + 2 prototypes [1]
History
First flightFebruary 1932

The Caproni Ca.111 was a long-range reconnaissance aircraft and light bomber produced in Italy during the 1930s. It was a derivative of the Ca.101.

Design and development

[edit]

A robust and simple aircraft, it was meant to be used in harsh conditions with minimal support. It was designed by the engineer Rodolfo Verduzio of Gianni Caproni in 1931, and first flew in February 1932 as MM 205.

This aircraft was a high-wing monoplane, built with a robust but simple structure consisting of a tubular steel skeleton with a fabric and wood skin. Derived from the earlier Ca.101, it used a different engine. The fuselage was of square section, and the wing was practically rectangular, with the extremities sloped and the ailerons running the whole length of the trailing edge. Steel tubing was also used for the undercarriage. This was fixed and had a complex structure that had two legs supported by several steel tubes between the fuselage and the wings.

The crew consisted of three men. The pilot, a co-pilot/observer and a flight engineer/gunner.

The main innovation was the engine. While the previous Ca.101 had three units, the newer type had only one. This was a risk because the engines of the time were not very reliable. It seems that the gamble paid off as the Ca.111 was faster than the three-engine Ca.101 and even the Ca.133. The engine was a water-cooled Isotta Fraschini Asso 750RC 18-cylinder in a 'W' layout. The first examples were equipped with a four-blade wooden propeller. Later models were fitted with a three-blade metal propeller with variable pitch. The required pitch had to be set on the ground and was not variable in flight. It was heavier and more expensive but provided a worthwhile improvement.

Fuel capacity was 1,960 L (446 US gal) in two tanks, one of 1,060 L (280 US gal) and two of 450 L (116 US gal). Range was 2,000 km (1,240 mi). The oil tank was below the engine and contained 150 L (40 US gal).

Maximum payload was 2,000 kg (4,410 lb), but if necessary could be raised to 2,500-2,800 kg (5,510-6,170 lb).

The cockpit instruments were repeated for each pilot. The instrument panel included a 'Pezzoni' compass, a 'Sonia' aerometer, a variometer, 'OMI' altimeters and fire detectors with extinguisher controls. The canopy was detachable to allow for exit in an emergency. There was also a rice-transmitter radio, for the wireless-operator/gunner. This consisted of a RE 350 and AR 5 transmitter-receiver. This allowed both telegraphic and voice transmissions. To make this possible, there were two radio antennas: one fixed, one flexible. There were two accumulators and two air-generators. Finally, there was a photographic, photoplanimetric O.M.I. 13x18 camera, or an OMI APR 3 panoramic. Sometimes, a cine-machine-gun was also fitted.

Defensive armament varied between three and six 7.7 mm (.303 in) machine guns. Initially, the armament was quite weak, one 7.7 mm (.303 in) Lewis Gun in the dorsal position, and one in each beam position. This was a serious failing as the gunner could only man one weapon at a time. One improvement was the replacement of the single dorsal gun by a turret fitted with two 7.7 mm (.303 in) Bredas. Another machine gun was sometimes fitted in the ventral position, both for offensive and defensive tasks. Some examples also had a machine gun fixed in the nose, firing with a synchronizer through the propeller disk.

Bombload, theoretically was up to 600 kg (1,320 lb), in practice, it was more. This load was held vertically inside the fuselage, and consisted of two launchers for:

  • 6 × 100 kg/220 lb (total practical, 780 kg/1,720 lb)
  • 6 × 50 kg/110 lb (total practical, 420 kg/930 lb)
  • 6 × 24, 20, 15, 12, 10 kg (50, 40, 33, 26, 20 lb).

Up to 15 × 12 kg (26 lb), 15 kg (33 lb) or 24 kg (50 lb) bombs could be carried in a third launcher. It was also possible to carry two bombs of 250 kg (550 lb) or 500 kg (1,100 lb) or incendiaries (144 × 1 kg/2 lb and 144 × 2 kg/4 lb). Finally, chemical bombs could also be dropped.

The door for entry into the aircraft was on the left-hand side.

A civil version was built with seven seats. The Caproni Ca.140 was, instead, a retractable version of the basic project, but remained prototype. Another prototype was a version with a 3,000 km (1,860 mi) range, but the redesigned Ca.112 was not put into production. Its most notable difference was a new elliptic and enlarged wing.

One example had a 746 kW (1,000 hp) A.80 engine.

Caproni Ca.111Idro floatplane

Possibly the most important version was the seaplane, fitted with two floats under the belly. It had been tested in 1932 and was called the Ca.111 Idro. The Idro version was the first to enter service. It was almost identical to the land version, but weighed 3,500 kg (7,720 lb) and had a 2,000 kg (4,410 lb) payload. The two floats were made of cedarwood. The engine remained the same but with 1,940 L (510 US gal) of fuel. Range was greater, but speed was reduced. Defensive weapons were four 7.7 mm (.303 in) Lewis guns with 2,000 cartridges each. Bombload was similar to that shown above. An 800 kg (1,760 lb) torpedo could also be carried.

Operational history

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Italy

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The first examples were used by 146 and 183 Squadriglia, 85° Gruppo, to perform maritime reconnaissance, followed by the 142. They had six machines each. After just a year, these machines were replaced by CANT Z.501s. The aircraft were not scrapped but converted for land use, complete with undercarriage. Over 100 machines were rebuilt between 1934 and 1936. 25 were Idro versions.

The Ca.111 was used as a long-range work-horse by the Regia Aeronautica. Its main employment was in the Second Italo-Abyssinian War. This aircraft was, like all other machines, sent to the Ethiopian theatre by sea. The aircraft performed a variety of tasks, such as long-range reconnaissance, ground attack, bombing, and as a refuelling machine. It was even used to drop live animals to the troops. The aircraft was well suited to this kind of environment. It was relatively simple to maintain and could often be repaired with local materials. In this theatre, it was second only to the SM.81, which was much more sophisticated.

On the whole, this machine was cheap, robust and reliable. It had good performance and could be armed with a variety of ordnance. It was also highly vulnerable and so was not deployed to places like Spain.

Nevertheless, the machine served until the early 1940s, when it was replaced as a reconnaissance aircraft by the Cant Z.501 and the IMAM Ro.37. It was then used in the photoplannimetric role and as a supplier of isolated troops, this time in the Balkans, after the conquest of Yugoslavia.

Peru

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Peru took delivery of a number of Ca.111s in the 1930s which they nicknamed Panchos for use as "heavy" bombers, but found them unsatisfactory in service and by 1935 had begun to consider replacing them. In 1936, Peru ordered Caproni Ca.135 bombers—which entered Peruvian Air Force service in 1937—as replacements for its Ca.111s. However, Peru never procured enough Ca.135s to replace its Ca.111s; Ca.111s served in Peruvian Air Force heavy bomber squadrons alongside the new Ca.135s until 1940, when all Peruvian Ca.111s were reassigned for use as transport aircraft.[2] Peru which had a small unit of paratroopers trained by Italy, during the Zarumilla War of 1941 dropped a small number of paratroopers from Ca. 111 R.C. aircraft on 27 July to seize the river port of Port Bolivar in disputed territory. This was the first combat use of paratroopers in South American or North America's military history.

China

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The Caproni Ca.111 also served in China during the 1930's. It was delivered to China due to the outburst of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Italy supported China by providing military aid, including The Ca.111. It was used for reconnaissance, transport, and supply missions. Although it is the best for a long range plane it did face challenges like diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. It posed a serious threat's and difficulties for the Ca.111, Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme temperatures and monsoons, affected flight performance.

Operators

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 Republic of China
 Kingdom of Italy
 Peru

Specifications (Ca.111)

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General characteristics

  • Crew: 2-4
  • Length: 15.30 m (50 ft 3 in)
  • Wingspan: 19.65 m (64 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 3.85 m (12 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 61.5 m2 (662 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 3,490 kg (7,694 lb)
  • Gross weight: 5,490 kg (12,103 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Isotta Fraschini Asso 750 , 619 kW (830 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 290 km/h (180 mph, 160 kn)
  • Range: 1,300 km (808 mi, 702 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,700 m (21,980 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 3.1 m/s (610 ft/min)

Armament

  • 4 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine gun in flexible positions in dorsal, ventral, and beam positions
  • Up to 600 kg (1,323 lb) of bombs

See also

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Related lists

Notes

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  1. ^ "Sito in fase di allestimento". Archived from the original on 2020-02-04. Retrieved 2014-11-26.
  2. ^ The Latin American Aviation Historical Society: South American Aviation: "The Caproni Bergamaschi Ca.135 in Peruvian Service" by Amaru Tincopa Gallegos[permanent dead link‍].

References

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