Caproni Ca.161
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| Ca 161 | |
|---|---|
| Type | High-altitude experimental aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Caproni |
| Designed by | Rodolfo Verduzio |
| Maiden flight | 1936 |
The Caproni Ca.161 was an aircraft built in Italy in 1936 in an attempt to set a new world altitude record. It was a conventional biplane with two-bay, staggered wings of equal span based on Caproni's Ca.113 design. The pressure-suited pilot was accommodated in an open cockpit.
On 8 May 1937, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Pezzi broke the world altitude record with a flight to 15,655 metres (51,362 ft). The following year, Pezzi broke the record again in the more powerful Ca.161bis, making a flight to 17,083 metres (56,032 ft) on 22 October 1938. As of 2007, this record still stands for piston-powered aircraft.
A final altitude record was set on 25 September 1939 in the float-equipped Ca.161Idro, piloted by Nicola di Mauro to 13,542 metres (44,429 ft). As of 2007, this record still stands too.
[edit] Variants
- Ca.161 - original version with Piaggio P.XI R.C.72 engine
- Ca.161bis - improved version with Piaggio P.XI R.C.100/2v
- Ca.161Idro - floatplane version
[edit] Specifications (Ca.161bis)
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Length: 8.25 m (27 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 14.25 m (26 ft 9 in)
- Height: 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 35.5 m² (382 ft²)
- Empty weight: 1,205 kg (2,657 lb)
- Gross weight: 1,650 kg (3,638 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Piaggio P.XI R.C.100/2v, 560 kW (750 hp)
Performance
[edit] References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 236.
[edit] See also
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