Caproni CH-1

In 1934, designer Antonio Chiodi developed his fighter project for the Caproni firm. It was an aerodynamically clean, single-seat, single-strut biplane of all-metal construction, armed with two synchronized 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns.

Chiodi planned to install a French fourteen-cylinder Gnome-Rhone 14Kfs Mistral Major engine with 780 hp in the fighter. However, due to its unavailability, an Italian nine-cylinder Piaggio P.IX RC40 engine with 560 hp had to be installed instead.

The Debut of the CH-1

The aircraft, designated CH-1, first took to the air in May 1935. During the tests, Antonio Chiodi himself piloted the aircraft.

Testing and Comparative Evaluation

After the completion of factory trials, the Regia Aeronautica requested the fighter for comparative testing with the Fiat CR.32 at the Guidonia Montecelio center. The CH-1 surpassed its “rival” in range (1000 km vs. 780 km for the Fiat) and slightly in speed (377 km/h vs. 335 km/h), but was inferior in armament.

However, in August 1935, the aircraft was destroyed during testing. It was not rebuilt.

Technical Specifications

Modification	CH-1
Wingspan, m	8.60
Length, m	7.19
Height, m	2.90
Wing area, m2	19.00
Empty weight	1400
Normal takeoff weight	2000
Engine type	1 Piston engine Piaggio P.IX RC40
Power, hp	1 x 560
Maximum speed, km/h	377
Cruising speed, km/h	310
Practical range, km	1000
Crew	1
Armament	two 7.7-mm machine guns

Image gallery of the Caproni CH-1