In early 1927, Italy’s Ministry of Aeronautics (Ministero dell’Aeronautica) issued specifications for a new heavy bomber. Requirements included a multi-engine, all-metal aircraft capable of carrying a 2000-kilogram bomb load over 3000 kilometers and reaching 5000 meters altitude within 60 minutes.
Leveraging extensive experience in heavy bomber development, Aeronautica Caproni participated in the tender. In spring 1928, the Caproni Ca.95 project was presented to the Regia Aeronautica. Military approval was granted, and prototype construction began in 1929.
The exact date of the Ca.95’s first flight has not been preserved. However, in June 1930, it was publicly displayed to the military at the Littorio airfield during the “Giorni dell’Ala” exhibition.
Aircraft Specifications
The new heavy bomber was a four-seater, all-metal, strut-braced high-wing monoplane. It was powered by three 18-cylinder W-type liquid-cooled Isotta Fraschini Asso 1000 engines, each producing 1000 hp (746 kW).
Its defensive armament comprised three machine guns: two were mounted in rotating turrets above and below the fuselage, while one was placed in an open turret in the tail section. A bomb load of up to 2500 kilograms was carried in a closed bomb bay.
Operational History and Fate
In May 1932, the Ca.95 was delivered to the Regia Aeronautica for official trials, receiving serial number MM.100. It was initially assigned to the 26 Gruppo Autonomo, specifically the 63rd experimental aircraft squadron. Later, it was transferred to the 25 Gruppo, serving with the 62nd squadron.
The aircraft remained in service until March 23, 1934, when it was decommissioned following a landing accident. On August 14, the sole Ca.95 was scrapped, bringing an end to this unique Italian heavy bomber project.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Ca.95 |
| Wingspan, m | 41.33 |
| Length, m | 21.90 |
| Height, m | 5.72 |
| Wing area, m2 | 234.00 |
| Empty weight | 8950 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 16450 |
| Engine type | 3 Piston engine Isotta Fraschini Asso 1000 |
| Power, hp | 3 x 1000 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 250 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 210 |
| Practical range, km | 3000 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 5200 |
| Crew | 4 |
| Armament | three 7.7-mm machine guns, bomb load up to 2500 kg |
Image gallery of the Caproni Ca.95
