The Caproni Trento F.5, a compact Italian two-seat trainer crafted by Stelio Frati and manufactured by Aeroplani Caproni Trento, did not receive production orders, resulting in the construction of just one prototype.
In the 1950s, the Caproni company faced financial collapse due to postwar economic challenges.
Despite this, Aeroplane Caproni Trento, located in Gardola, Trento, continued its operations.
Originally focused on aircraft maintenance and support, the company shifted its focus to designing and constructing a small jet trainer in 1951.
The F.5 aircraft, designed by Stelio Frati based on his previous glider work, was a low-wing monoplane made entirely of wood with retractable tricycle landing gear.
Powered by a small Turbomeca Palas turbojet engine located in the fuselage, it featured two inlet ducts on either side and the exhaust below the rear fuselage.
The aircraft had an enclosed cabin with tandem seating for an instructor and student, along with a jettisonable canopy.
The F.5 successfully completed its maiden flight on May 20, 1952, becoming Italy’s first postwar jet aircraft.
Despite being evaluated by the Italian Air Force, it failed to generate significant interest and was not put into production.
Specifications
Crew
Two
Length
6.60 m (21 ft 7.75 in)
Wingspan
7.85 m (25 ft 9 in)
Wing area
10.00 m2 (107.64 sq ft)
Empty weight
470 kg (1,036 lb)
Gross weight
750 kg (1,653 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Turbomeca Palas turbojet,
1.5 kN (331 lbf) thrust
Performance
Maximum speed
360 km/h (224 mph, 195 kn)
Service ceiling
8,000 m (26,245 ft).
Sources
La Caproni Di Taliedo Storia Di Unindustria Aeronautica-Claudio De Biaggi.
Museo dell’Aeronautica Gianni Caproni.
