Caproni Ca.161
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1908 in Italy |
| Headquarters | Italy |
The Caproni Ca.161 was developed in Italy during 1936 with the objective of establishing a new global altitude record. This aircraft was a traditional biplane featuring two-bay, staggered wings of equal length, derived from the Caproni Ca.113 model. The pilot, equipped with a pressure suit, operated the plane from an open cockpit.
Operational history
On 8 May 1937, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Pezzi set a new world altitude record by reaching 15,655 m (51,362 ft). He surpassed this achievement the following year piloting the enhanced Ca.161bis, ascending to 17,083 m (56,047 ft) on 22 October 1938.[1] Although the Grob Strato 2C surpassed this record for piston-powered crewed aircraft in 1995, as of 2024 the Ca.161bis remains the highest-flying piston-powered biplane and holds the record for crewed single-engine piston airplanes.
The floatplane variant Ca.161Idro, piloted by Nicola di Mauro, established a final altitude record for seaplanes on 25 September 1939 by reaching 13,542 m (44,429 ft). This record also remains unbroken as of 2024.
Variants
- Ca.161 – initial model powered by a Piaggio P.XI R.C.72 engine
- Ca.161bis – upgraded version equipped with a Piaggio P.XI R.C.100/2v engine
- Ca.161Idro – seaplane adaptation fitted with floats
Specifications (Ca.161bis)
Information sourced from Italian Civil and Military Aircraft 1930–1945 except where noted
See also
References
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