Caproni ca 309
| Caproni Ca. 309 Ghibli | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: |
Transport aircraft reconnaissance aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
August 1936 |
| Commissioning: |
1937 |
| Number of pieces: |
247 |
The Caproni Ca. 309 Ghibli was an Italian transport and light reconnaissance aircraft from 1936.
History and Development
The twin-engine Ca. 309 was derived from the Caproni Ca.306 Borea . The aircraft was to be used as a transporter and reconnaissance aircraft in North Africa and replace the outdated IMAM Ro.1 aircraft. It had two 195 HP in-line engines of the Alfa Romeo 115-II type and a fixed chassis. The aircraft nose was largely glazed. Approx. 309 was armed with two 7.7 mm machine guns in the aircraft nose and one 7.7 mm machine gun in the fuselage. Some models had a 20 mm cannon. The machine could carry bombs up to 330 kg.
After the first flight in 1936, the first machines were delivered to Libya from 1937 . In 1940 seven squadrons were equipped with the Ca. 309. They flew for the Aviazione Presidio Coloniale and Aviozione Sahariana . Of the 78 machines in Libya, 53 were still in service at the beginning of the Second World War . They were mainly used to clear up British positions and to defend the oases of Giarabub , Kufra and Gialo . After the loss of Libya at the end of 1942, the machines were withdrawn to Italy and served as transport and liaison aircraft.
A total of 247 copies were built.
variant
- Approx . 309S : Approx . 309 as a converted ambulance aircraft
Military users
-
Australia : a ca 309 captured and repaired in 1943 -
Bulgaria : 24 machines built under license under the name Kaproni Bulgarski KB-6 Papagal in 1941 (used until 1946) -
Italy
-
Italian social republic
-
Italy
-
Paraguay : 2
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 |
| Passengers | Max. 6th |
| length | 12.85 m |
| span | 16.20 m |
| height | 3.04 m |
| Wing area | 38.70 m² |
| Empty mass | 1960 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 2930 kg |
| Top speed | 250 km / h |
| Service ceiling | 4250 m |
| Range | 1050 km |
| Engines | two six-cylinder in-line engines Alfa Romeo 115-II with 195 hp each |
| Armament | three 7.7 mm machine guns, max. 330 kg bombs |
