CA-3 Airster • wp.archivoaereo.com

In 1926, American engineer Alfred Verville and French engineer Etienne Dormoy developed a light multi-purpose aircraft project for the Buhl Aircraft Company. This design resulted in a two-seat, single-strut biplane, conceived for great versatility.

The aircraft could be equipped with an air-cooled engine, then designated as the CA-3 Airster (‘A’ for air-cooled), or with a water-cooled engine, known as the CW-3 (‘W’ for water-cooled).

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Technical Specifications

Early CA-3 units were also designated as J4 Airster, referencing the Wright J-4 Whirlwind engine that powered them. Subsequently, the CA-3A variant was fitted with a 225-horsepower Wright J-5.

In contrast, the CW-3 OX5 Airster utilized a 90-horsepower Curtiss OX-5 engine, showcasing the design’s adaptability to different power requirements.

Versatility and Achievements

The Airster aircraft found a wide range of applications, being used for tourism, light cargo transport, aerial photography, and sports activities. In the sporting arena, they achieved notable successes.

For instance, in 1926, a CA-3 secured second place in the Ford National Reliability Air Tour, and the following year, it achieved third place in the Ford Air Tour, demonstrating its reliability and performance in competition.

Pioneer in Certification

A significant milestone occurred in 1927 when the aircraft passed certification by the Department of Aeronautics of the Ministry of Commerce. This achievement made it the first American aircraft to receive A.T.C. No.1 certification.

Although one CA-3 and one CW-3 Wright Trainer were proposed to the U.S. Army Air Corps as initial training aircraft, the contract was ultimately not signed, limiting its military adoption.

Technical Specifications

Modification	CA-3
Wingspan, m	10.87
Length, m	7.42
Height, m	2.74
Wing area, m2	27.87
Empty weight	642
Maximum takeoff weight	1043
Engine type	1 Piston engine Wright J-4 Whirlwind
Power, hp	1 x 200
Maximum speed, km/h	202
Cruising speed, km/h	177
Practical range, km	708
Service ceiling, m	4877
Crew	2 crew