Caudron C.101 • wp.archivoaereo.com

Table of Contents

Initial Development and Design

In early 1925, engineer André Brunet developed the Caudron C.101 reconnaissance aircraft. This aircraft met the requirements of the “Grandes Raids” (GR) military classification. It was a two-seater, single-strut sesquiplane, powered by a 450 hp (340 kW) Hispano-Suiza 12H V-12 liquid-cooled engine.

The Caudron C.101’s initial armament consisted of two 7.7mm machine guns mounted on a Scarff-type turret in the rear cockpit. Additionally, it could carry 12 light 10 kg bombs, making it suitable for both reconnaissance and light attack missions.

Variants and Engine Improvements

Following state trials conducted in August 1925, the company decided to build three more versions of the aircraft, each with different engines. These included the C.103, equipped with a 450 hp (336 kW) Lorraine 12Db V-12 engine.

Other variants were the C.104, which used a nine-cylinder air-cooled Gnome-Rhône 9Ab Jupiter radial engine of the same power. Finally, the C.107 was developed, incorporating a powerful 500 hp (373 kW) Salmson 18CMb eighteen-cylinder radial engine. Some of these aircraft also received an additional forward 7.7mm machine gun to enhance their offensive capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Modification	C.101
Wingspan, m	14.56
Length, m	9.10
Height, m	3.27
Wing area, m2	42.00
Empty weight	1209
Maximum takeoff weight	2097
Engine type	1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 12H
Power, hp	1 x 450
Maximum speed, km/h	227
Cruising speed, km/h	195
Practical range, km	600
Practical ceiling, m	6750
Crew	2
Armament	two 7.7-mm machine guns, installed on a Scarff-type turret in the rear cockpit and 12 light 10 kg bombs.