Development and Initial Design
In 1945, the Brazilian company Companhia Aeronáutica Paulista (CAP) began the development of the CAP-8, a light multi-purpose aircraft. The project’s chief designer, Jorge da Rocha Fragoso, based its design on the German multi-purpose aircraft Messerschmitt Bf.108 Taifun.
The Prototype and its Features
The first prototype of the aircraft was completed in 1946. It was a four-seater, cantilever wooden low-wing monoplane with fixed landing gear, equipped with an American Franklin engine delivering 135 hp.
For serial production aircraft, a mixed construction, retractable landing gear, and a more powerful 145 hp Franklin engine were planned, promising significant improvements in the aircraft’s performance and versatility.
An Unexpected End
Although the aircraft successfully passed its tests, the company’s management decided to support the CAP-7 and CAP-9 projects instead. Consequently, the CAP-8 was placed into storage in the company’s hangar, marking the end of its development and production.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CAP-8 |
| Wingspan, m | 10.60 |
| Aircraft length, m | 8.20 |
| Empty weight | 820 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1220 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Franklin |
| Power, hp | 1 x 135 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Payload | 3 passengers |
Image gallery of the CAP-8
