CAP-3 Planalto • wp.archivoaereo.com

In 1944, the Brazilian company “Companhia Aeronautica Paulista” (CAP) began developing an improved version of the CAP-1 Planalto trainer aircraft. Designer Clay Presgrave do Amaral led the work. This initiative aimed to enhance the existing model for various applications.

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Development and Specifications

The CAP-3 Planalto featured a slightly modified design and was equipped with a new Franklin 6AC-199-F2 engine. This engine produced 130 hp and drove a two-bladed wooden fixed-pitch propeller. These specifications were intended to provide improved flight characteristics over its predecessor.

Military Trials and Setbacks

During military testing, however, it became apparent that the new powerplant did not fully meet all the requirements. Although flight characteristics showed improvement, there was an increase in engine failures. Consequently, only a few examples of the CAP-3 Planalto were built, with the last one retired by 1948.

Civilian Market Endeavors

In 1945, CAP attempted to introduce the aircraft into the civilian market segment. The modified CAP-3A version was powered by a Gipsy Major engine, also rated at 130 hp. Three units of this civilian variant were produced.

Additionally, one more aircraft was completed as the CAP-3AE (registration PP-RIY). This particular model incorporated a new wing profile, indicating ongoing efforts to refine the design for potential civilian applications.

Technical Specifications

Modification	CAP-3
Wingspan, m	8.60
Length, m	6.67
Height, m	2.00
Wing area, m2	12.11
Empty weight	680
Maximum takeoff weight	800
Engine type	1 Piston engine Franklin 6AC-199-F2
Power, hp	1 x 90
Maximum speed, km/h	220
Cruising speed, km/h	195
Practical range, km	700
Service ceiling, m	3000
Crew	2