The Ca.602’s emergence was due to a competition announced by the DGCA and Regia Aeronautica on August 30, 1938. At that time, an acrobatic aircraft with high flight characteristics was required, on which military pilots could train in advanced aerobatics. It was assumed that an aircraft of this caliber should perform all aerobatic maneuvers without any restrictions, primarily at altitudes up to 1000 meters.
A special commission was formed, which amended the technical specifications at least twice (September 5, 1938, and October 11, 1939). Only on March 21, 1940, were the requirements finally formulated, one of which stipulated the use of Isotta Frascini “Beta” (6-cylinder, 280 hp) or CAN D.VIII (8-cylinder, 300 hp) engines. The winning company was promised an order for a large batch of aircraft as the main prize.
The Acrobatic Aircraft Competition
Six firms participated in the competition, presenting the following fighter projects: Caproni-Vizolla CV.3, Caproni-Taliedo Ca.214, CANSA FC.11, IMAM Ro.71, Breda Ba.92, and Caproni-Predappio Ca.602. The first three immediately withdrew, while orders were placed with the remaining companies for the construction of prototypes. It should be noted that not all firms met the engine requirement, specifying the Isotta Frascini ‘Gamma’ (Ca.214) and Piaggio P.VIIZ (Ba.92) in their designs.
Ca.602 Characteristics
The Ca.602 was considered one of the favorites. This two-seater biplane of mixed construction was equipped with an Alfa Romeo 115 engine and a two-bladed propeller with a diameter of 2 meters. The aircraft’s fuselage was made of steel tubes and covered with fabric, while the two-spar wing was entirely wooden and covered with plywood. The landing gear was fixed.
In July 1940, the Ca.602 prototype began testing at the research center in Guidonia. Concurrently, the firm developed a single-seater variant of the aircraft, which was designated Ca.603.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Ca.602 |
| Wingspan, m | 6.60 |
| Length, m | 8.05 |
| Height, m | 2.45 |
| Wing area, m2 | 52.43 |
| Empty weight | 469 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 728 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Alfa Romeo 115 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 215 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 275 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 240 |
| Service ceiling, m | 7000 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
Image gallery of the Ca.602
