Caproni ca.311
| Caproni ca.311 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Reconnaissance plane , bomber |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
April 1, 1939 |
| Commissioning: |
1939 |
| Number of pieces: |
335 |
The Caproni Ca.311 was an Italian light reconnaissance aircraft and bomber.
development
The caproni approx. 311 was a further development of version 310 bis . With a completely redesigned bow section, this variant had similarities with the Bristol Blenheim Mk. I and the Breguet Bre.482 . This bow construction gave the pilots excellent visibility. Furthermore, the sides of the fuselage were also provided with larger glass surfaces. The first examples still had components made of wood, but like all other machines, these were brought to the standard approx. 311 M. The additional designation M on all Caproni aircraft indicated that the aircraft were made entirely of metal. In this sub-version, the aircraft was about 35 cm longer due to some detail changes.
The defensive armament consisted of three light machine guns of 7.7 mm caliber, which were installed in a rotating turret on the upper side of the fuselage, a belly hatch on the underside of the fuselage and in the left wing root. The 311 could carry a bomb load of up to 400 kg.
commitment
The approx. 311 was introduced as a replacement for the double-decker IMAM Ro.37 . However, the first missions from 1940 in North Africa showed that the engine power was too low and the reliability was problematic. On the other hand, the flight behavior was very good - the Ca.311 was very agile and easy to fly. In North Africa six aerial reconnaissance groups (Gruppi Osservazione Aerea) were equipped with this type. Although out of date by 1942 at the latest, these were still used. From 1941 onwards there were also missions in Russia and in the Balkans.
Until the end of the war, many of the 311 remained in service in flight schools.
export
The Royal Yugoslav Air Force ordered 15 machines, five of which were delivered in 1941. The remaining ten pieces went to the Croatian Air Force in 1942.
The largest foreign customer was Great Britain, which after 1938 needed aircraft very quickly, especially for the training of pilots, due to the threat of war. Since Italy remained neutral after the outbreak of war, orders for 200 approx. 310 were in the meantime. However, this order was changed to 100 pieces of the ca.311. However, due to Italy's entry into the war, this order was no longer delivered. During the German campaign in France, the manufacturer tried to deliver some of the machines ordered via Portugal.
Military use
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- Royal Yugoslav Air Force
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- Yugoslav Air Force - after the war
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- Zrakoplovstvo Nezavisne Države Hrvatske: some ex-Yugoslav
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 3 |
| length | 11.74 m |
| span | 38.40 m |
| height | 3.69 m |
| Wing area | 38.40 m² |
| Empty mass | 3460 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 4822 kg |
| Marching speed | ? km / h |
| Top speed | 347 km / h |
| Service ceiling | 7400 m |
| Range | 1600 km |
| Engines | 2 × 7-cylinder radial engine Piaggio P VII C.36 with 343 kW each |
| Armament | 3 × MG 7.7 mm for defense of 400 kg bombs. |
See also
literature
- Aero. Marshall Cavendish International Ltd., London 1984, issue 47.
- Michael JH Taylor: Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions, London 1989, p. 237.
- World Aircraft Information Files. File 891 Sheet 11, Bright Star Publishing, London.
