The PS.1 was another racing sport aircraft built in 1934 at the Caproni Aeronautica Bergamasca factory, which was part of the Caproni group. Designed by Cesare Pallavicino, a former Breda engineer, this aircraft was a four-seater low-wing monoplane of mixed construction.
It was equipped with a seven-cylinder Fiat A.70 radial engine, delivering 205 hp (151 kW). Two examples of the aircraft were built to participate in the “Challenge 1934” competition.
Initial Registrations and Participation
These aircraft initially received military registrations MM.257 and MM.258, which were very quickly changed to civilian ones: I-MELO and I-FRAN. In late summer 1934, pilots Armando François and Ugo Vincenzi participated in the competition with the PS.1, which commenced in Warsaw.
Performance in the 1934 Challenge
In the technical evaluation, the PS.1 achieved a high second place, surpassed only by Willy Messerschmitt’s Bf.108. During the actual competitions, however, one of the PS.1s withdrew due to technical malfunctions. The second PS.1, piloted by Ugo Vincenzi, only managed to secure 18th place.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | PS.1 |
| Upper wingspan, m | 10.41 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.19 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.10 |
| Wing area, m2 | 17.54 |
| Empty weight | 659 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1078 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Fiat A.70 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 205 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 261 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 230 |
| Practical range, km | 805 |
| Service ceiling, m | 6500 |
| Crew | 1-2 |
| Payload | 2-3 passengers |
Image gallery of the PS.1
