Caproni Ca.355

Caproni

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1908
Headquarters	Ponte San Pietro , Italy

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The Caproni Ca.355 Tuffo was a single-engine, low-wing dive bomber conceptualized and constructed by the Italian firm Caproni in 1941. Only one prototype was ever completed. Based on the Caproni Ca.335, known as the Mistral, the Ca.355 was intended to serve the Regia Aeronautica. However, it demonstrated minimal benefits compared to the German Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka," leading to the project's termination.

Development

In 1939, the Ministry of Aeronautics issued a requirement for an aircraft comparable to the Junkers Ju 87 to be deployed within the bomber units of the Regia Aeronautica.

Caproni responded by assigning engineer Cesare Pallavicino to lead the design effort through its subsidiary, Cantieri Aeronautici Bergamaschi (CAB). Drawing on insights gained from developing the earlier Ca.335 Maestrale, Pallavicino proposed a streamlined variant featuring slightly reduced dimensions and minimal alterations tailored for dive bombing duties.

The design featured a narrowed fuselage diameter and omitted the rear cockpit, deemed unnecessary, resulting in a single enclosed cockpit with a sliding canopy positioned aftward. To enhance dive control, wing-mounted air brakes were incorporated, along with a tubular trapeze mechanism beneath the fuselage similar to that of the Stuka, allowing bombs to be released safely clear of the propeller during steep dives. Propulsion was provided by an Isotta Fraschini Delta engine produced within another Caproni group company.

The prototype, bearing serial number MM.470 and designated Ca.355 Tuffo, took flight on 14 January 1941 at Caproni’s airfield in Ponte San Pietro, piloted by test pilot Ettore Wengi. Following initial evaluations which revealed no significant issues, it was handed over to the Regia Aeronautica. Although it met the specified criteria, its performance failed to impress military officials, resulting in only limited test flights. The Regia Aeronautica opted to continue employing the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" and repurposed older fighters such as the Fiat CR.42, Fiat G.50 Freccia, and Macchi MC.200 for dive bombing missions instead. The ultimate disposition of the sole Ca.355 constructed remains unknown.

Variants

Ca.355

Primary model, with a single prototype constructed.

Ca.355 Twin-tail

A conceptual design featuring dual engines arranged in a push-pull configuration, with the rear engine positioned between two tail booms. Suggested powerplants included the Daimler-Benz DB 601 or Isotta Fraschini Delta engines.

Caproni Ca.357

A proposed version equipped with the Daimler-Benz DB601 engine.

Caproni Ca.358

A planned variant powered by the Isotta Fraschini Zeta engine.