Caproni Ca.164

The Caproni Ca.164 was a training biplane produced in Italy shortly prior to World War II.

It was a largely conventional biplane intended as a follow-on to the Ca.100 and sharing that aircraft’s layout with a slightly smaller upper wing.

The prototype was designated the Ca.163, built by Caproni Taliedo and first flown on 17 November 1938.

It had a steel tube fuselage, wooden wings, and fabric covering.

Flight testing revealed some poor handling characteristics, however, which made it completely unsuitable for its intended role.

Nevertheless, the Regia Aeronautica acquired some 280 examples of the Ca.164 to use in liaison roles within bomber units.

Some of these were pressed into use for tactical reconnaissance during the Croatian campaign.

The Armée de l’Air also purchased 100 aircraft.

Specifications

Crew

2

Length

7.74 m (25 ft 4 in)

Wingspan

9.75 m (32 ft 0 in)

Height

3.00 m (9 ft 10 in)

Wing area

22.4 m2 (241 sq ft)

Empty weight

850 kg (1,874 lb)

Gross weight

1,175 kg (2,590 lb)

Powerplant

1 × Alfa Romeo 115 , 138 kW (185 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed

230 km/h (143 mph, 124 kn)

Range

530 km (329 mi, 286 nmi)

Service ceiling

4,200 m (13,780 ft)

Rate of climb

3.6 m/s (708 ft/min).