The light multipurpose aircraft Ca.18 was developed by Giovanni Caproni specifically for the first military aircraft competition, planned for early 1913. The aircraft made its maiden flight in late 1912.
Design and Technical Specifications
It was a two-seater high-wing monoplane of mixed construction, equipped with an 80 hp (59 kW) Gnome Lambda engine. The primary purpose of the aircraft was aerial observation.
Operational History and Legacy
The competition for the Ca.18 was unsuccessful, and no production orders were received. However, in the same year, after the nationalization of Caproni factories, the military eventually received a batch of these aircraft, which were transferred to the 15th Squadron in 1914.
Based on the Ca.18, a whole family of aircraft was developed, including the multipurpose Ca.19, Ca.20, Ca.24, Ca.25, and the Ca.20 fighter.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Ca.18 |
| Upper wingspan, m | 10.92 |
| Aircraft length, m | 7.67 |
| Aircraft height, m | 2.93 |
| Wing area, m2 | 22.00 |
| Empty weight | 400 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 600 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Gnome Lambda |
| Power, hp | 1 x 80 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 130 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 105 |
| Flight endurance, h | 5 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
Image gallery of the Caproni Ca.18
