Caproni Ca.105

Aeronautica Caproni

Industry	Aerospace, Aircraft manufacturing
Founded	Late 1920s
Headquarters	Italy
Products	Aircraft (e.g., Caproni Ca.105)

Design

The Caproni Ca.105 was a versatile, single-engine high-wing monoplane developed during the late 1920s by the Italian manufacturer Aeronautica Caproni.

Constructed using mixed materials, the Ca.105 featured a conventional layout suitable for both civilian and military roles. It was designed as a tractor-configured, high-wing monoplane with a fixed landing gear and an enclosed cabin.

Its fuselage had a rectangular cross-section built from a welded metal framework covered with treated fabric. The cabin accommodated four occupants, with the two forward seats equipped with dual controls for piloting, while the rear seats were intended for passengers.

The aircraft’s wing was mounted high on the fuselage and attached via a pair of bracing struts on each side. These struts also supported the landing gear assembly. The wing structure was primarily wooden, covered with treated fabric, and designed to fold alongside the fuselage to simplify storage in hangars.

The fixed landing gear consisted of independent wheels arranged in a bicycle configuration. Each wheel was connected to a vertical shock-absorbing strut attached to the bracing rods and secured beneath the fuselage by V-shaped supports. A rear skid was installed under the tail section to provide additional ground support.

Operational history

Though the aircraft belonged to the Regia Aeronautica, it was initially assigned the civil registration I-ABCE in preparation for a planned flight connecting Rome to Cape Town, South Africa. Piloted by the duo Francis Lombardi and Leonida Robbiano, the aircraft departed from Rome's airport in December 1931, heading southward. However, a mechanical failure in Tabora forced the crew to abort their extended journey and return to their point of origin.

On December 12, 1932, the Ministry of Aeronautics re-registered the plane as I-FOCO. This change coincided with a commemorative mission honoring those lost during the first transatlantic crossing, featuring a Rome-Bolama (Portuguese Guinea) flight scheduled for December 17, marking its second anniversary. The crew for this operation consisted of Leonida Robbiano and journalist Mario Massai.

The Ca.105 remained active within the Regia Aeronautica fleet until October 14, 1934, when it suffered an accident that rendered repairs unfeasible. Subsequently declared unserviceable, the aircraft was sent to be dismantled.

Operators

Kingdom of Italy

• Regia Aeronautica