The Adamoli-Cattani fighter, developed in 1918, was an innovative prototype aircraft created by two Italian aircraft builders.
The primary objective of this project was to design the smallest biplane possible while incorporating the most powerful engine available at the time, the 149 kW (200 hp) le Rhône M.
Despite its unconventional feature of hinged leading edges on the wings instead of traditional ailerons, the overall design of the Adamoli-Cattani remained relatively conventional.
To bring this prototype to life, the construction of the aircraft began at the Farina Coach Building factory in Turin.
However, it was the Officine Moncenisio in Condove that ultimately completed the construction of the prototype.
Once the aircraft was fully assembled, ground testing commenced.
Unfortunately, during these tests, it became evident that the installed engine could only deliver approximately 80% of its rated power.
Consequently, this underpowered engine significantly impacted the performance of the aircraft.
Despite the setbacks encountered during ground testing, limited tests of the Adamoli-Cattani fighter continued until the conclusion of World War I.
However, with the Armistice marking the end of the war, further development of the aircraft became unnecessary.
Nonetheless, the Adamoli-Cattani fighter stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of its creators, even if it did not reach its full potential due to the engine’s limitations.
Specifications
Crew
1
Length
6.10 m (20 ft 0 in)
Wingspan
8.60 m (28 ft 3 in)
Empty weight
470 kg (1,036 lb)
Gross weight
675 kg (1,488 lb)
Powerplant
1 × le Rhône M, 9 cyl air cooled rotary piston engine,
150 kW (200 hp) (rating) – actual power 119 kW (160 hp)
