Caproni-Vizzola F.4

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The development team at Caproni Vizzola SA in Vizzola Ticino ( Varese ) in Italy developed a number of fighter planes .

Caproni-Vizzola F.4

Model of the Caproni Vizzola F.4

The team around F.Fabrizi began work on a single-seater hunting vehicle in composite construction, the F.4 . The F stood for Fabrizi.

The wooden, two-spar wings were covered with plywood that could also absorb forces from the wing loading. The fuselage consisted of a tubular steel frame with riveted dural sheets . Two versions were proposed, the F.4 with a liquid-cooled 12-cylinder Isotta Fraschini Asso 121 RC40 engine with 960 hp in 4000 m, and the F.5 with a 14-cylinder Fiat A.74 RC38 engine. According to the Aviation Ministry, the Asso engine was not suitable for fighter planes, so the F.5 was given preference.

In the summer of 1939 the Daimler-Benz DB 601 A was available in Italy. A cell from the F.5 pre-series was converted into the prototype of the F.4 for the DB 601. The first flight took place in July 1940. The armament consisted of two 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns. The prototype was tested in use by the 303rd Squadriglia in 1942.

Technical specifications

  • Length: 8.9 m
  • Span: 11.29 m
  • Height: 2.9 m
  • Empty weight: 2462 kg
  • Maximum take-off weight: 3000 kg
  • Top speed: 550 km / h at an altitude of 3750 m
  • Powerplant: 1 × DB 601A
  • Range: 700 km
  • Armament: 2 × 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns

Caproni-Vizzola F.5

The F.5, developed parallel to the F.4 with the 870 hp 14-cylinder Fiat A.74 RC38 engine, flew for the first time on February 19, 1939. The high level of maneuverability was convincing, and another prototype and a pilot series of twelve machines were produced ordered. The last of these machines was converted into the prototype of the F.4.

The machines were armed with two 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns and used in the 300th Squadriglia. In 1942 they served as night fighters with the 167th Gruppo.

Technical specifications

  • Length: 7.9 m
  • Span: 11.29 m
  • Height: 3 m
  • Empty weight: 1818 kg
  • Maximum take-off weight: 2238 kg
  • Top speed: 496 km / h at an altitude of 4750 m
  • Powerplant: 1 × 14-cylinder engine Fiat A.74 RC38 with 870 hp
  • Range: 770 km
  • Armament: 2 × 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns

Caproni-Vizzola F.5 to

This prototype (MM 5932) was to receive the DB 601 built under license from Alfa-Romeo. Since the more powerful Daimler-Benz DB 605 was planned for the F.6M, this proposal was no longer valid.

Caproni-Vizzola F.6M

The F.6M (M = Metallico) consisted of a converted F.5 cell with a DB 605A and a completely new metal wing. The prototype flew in September 1941. The armament again consisted of two 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns; In addition, the installation of two more of these MG in the wings was prepared. Initially, the machine had a large radiator under the engine. To reduce the air resistance, this was then moved backwards under the middle of the fuselage.

The prototype was damaged in a collision at Bresso airfield and development was discontinued.

Technical specifications

  • Length: 9.15 m
  • Span: 11.35 m
  • Height: 3.02 m
  • Empty weight: 2265 kg
  • Maximum take-off weight: 2885 kg
  • Top speed: 569 km / h at an altitude of 5000 m
  • Engine: 1 × DB 605 A
  • Range: 955 km
  • Armament: 2-4 × 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns

Caproni-Vizzola F.6Z

Model of the Caproni-Vizzola F.6Z

Another variant of the F.6, the F.6Z (Z = Zeta), was planned for the planned 24-cylinder Isotta Fraschini RC25 / 60 Zeta. The engine, which was only available in August 1943, made only 1200 hp instead of the calculated 1500 hp. For this reason and because of the armistice, development did not continue.

Three 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns in the fuselage and wings were planned as armament, the speed should be 630 km / h.

Technical specifications

Calculated but not achieved values

  • Length: 9.01 m
  • Span: 11.82 m
  • Height: 3.02 m
  • Empty weight: 3348 kg
  • Maximum take-off weight: 4092 kg
  • Top speed: 630 km / h at an altitude of 5000 m
  • Powerplant: 1 × 24-cylinder engine Isotta Fraschini RC25 / 60 Zeta
  • Range: 1370 km
  • Armament: 3 × 12.7 mm SAFAT machine guns

Caproni-Vizzola F.7

The F.7 was an aerodynamically improved F.6M and should be further developed in its place. But it was not completed.

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