Caproni Ca.312

In late 1939, the Belgian Air Force commissioned Caproni to modify the Caproni Ca.310 Libeccio light bomber-reconnaissance aircraft. Two aircraft, designated Ca.312, were produced. This model was essentially a re-engined Ca.310, equipped with 700 hp Piaggio P.XVI C.35 engines and three-blade propellers.

Belgian Acquisition and Fate

Following successful trials, the Belgian Air Force command placed an order for 24 units of this aircraft. However, the onset of the German occupation prevented these plans from materializing. The two already manufactured prototypes were transferred to the Regia Aeronautica.

After the war, these aircraft were returned to the Belgians, who subsequently utilized them in their African colony, the Congo. The Ca.312 thus had a brief, yet significant, operational history despite the initial disruptions caused by the war.

Norwegian Floatplane Project

In 1940, the Norwegian government also sought to acquire the Ca.312. They ordered 15 Ca.312bis (IDRO) floatplane variants, which featured a seamless transparent forward fuselage section.

Similar to the Belgian situation, Germany’s invasion of Norway made these deliveries impossible. Consequently, the Ca.312bis IDRO remained solely a project for the Norwegian forces, never reaching operational service with them.

Technical Specifications

Modification	Ca.312
Wingspan, m	16.20
Length, m	12.20
Height, m	3.52
Wing area, m2	38.70
Empty weight	3400
Normal takeoff weight	5000
Engine type	2 Piston engines Piaggio P.XVI C.35
Power, hp	2 x 700
Maximum speed, km/h	430
Cruising speed, km/h	370
Practical range, km	1 550
Range with max bomb load, km	1000
Rate of climb, m/min	444
Practical ceiling, m	7800
Crew	3
Armament	three 7.7-mm machine guns; bomb load – 400 kg

Image and diagram gallery of the Caproni Ca.312

Ca.31	Ca.31
Ca.31	Ca.31
Ca.31	Ca.31
Ca.31	Ca.31
Ca.31	Ca.31