In late 1929, Giovanni Battista Caproni began designing a multipurpose transport aircraft, capable of performing both military and civil tasks. The following year, the first prototype, designated Ca.105, took to the air. It was a five-seater high-wing monoplane, equipped with a 200 hp (147 kW) Alfa Romeo Lynx radial engine, built under license from Bristol.
Military and Civil Service
After passing tests, the aircraft was acquired by the Royal Italian Air Force (Regia Aeronautica) for reconnaissance and light transport duties for colonial troops. Despite its military affiliation, the Ca.105 received the civil registration I-ABCE and was used in 1931 for a long flight over Africa. The following year, its registration was changed to I-FOCO, and it was again used for long-distance flights.
Operational History and Demise
The Ca.105 saw limited service with the Air Force until October 1934, when it was involved in an accident and subsequently scrapped.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Ca. 105 |
| Wingspan, m | 14.00 |
| Length, m | 9.68 |
| Height, m | 3.00 |
| Wing area, m2 | 26.00 |
| Empty equipped weight | 850 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 1350 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Alfa Romeo Lynx |
| Power, hp | 1 x 200 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 192 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 175 |
| Flight endurance, h | 5 |
| Service ceiling, m | 4000 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Payload | 3-4 passengers |
Image gallery of the Caproni Ca.105
