Caproni Ca.22

Aeronautica Caproni

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1908
Founder	Giovanni Battista "Gianni" Caproni
Headquarters	Italy

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The Caproni Ca.22 was a monoplane powered by a single engine, produced in 1913 by the Italian firm Aeronautica Caproni.

Design

Conceived under the direction of Giovanni Battista "Gianni" Caproni, this aircraft was created as a unique prototype aimed at exploring the dynamics of a wing with adjustable angle of incidence. The wing comprised three sections and was hinged at the front to the leading structural member, which served as the pivot point for rotation. Adjustments to the wing's angle were made through a hand-operated wheel connected to a helical tube mechanism acting on the rear support pylon. Additionally, a system of tie-rods managed the movement of the tail's rear control surfaces to counterbalance pressure changes on the wing, thereby preserving optimal longitudinal stability.

In 1913, the Ca.22 set multiple global records related to altitude and climb performance.

Operational history

On 30 June 1915, pilots from the 15th Reconnaissance and Combat Squadron relocated two Caproni 2 Parasol 100 hp aircraft to Vizzola Ticino before transferring them to the airfield at Pordenone. However, following several accidents involving these new planes—including one fatal incident caused by wing failure—the squadron was disbanded on 15 September 1915.

Variants

Ca.22

A single-engine monoplane featuring adjustable-incidence main wings, equipped with an 80 hp (60 kW) Gnome Lambda rotary engine

Ca.23

Monoplane with fixed wing incidence, powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) Fiat engine

Ca.24

Series-produced model with fixed wing incidence, driven by a 100 hp (75 kW) Gnome 9 Delta engine