Caproni Ca.100

The Caproni Ca.100, also known as the Caproncino, was a two‑seat biplane trainer built by the Italian manufacturer Caproni in the early 1930s. Designed by engineers Giovanni and Concezio, the aircraft first flew on 7 June 1931 and entered service with the Regia Aeronautica the following year. Its simple wooden structure, fabric‑covered wings and a modest 70‑90 hp engine—most often a Walter NZR, Alfa Romeo, or de Havilland Gipsy—gave the Ca.100 reliable handling and low operating costs, making it ideal for primary flight instruction. The open‑cockpit layout offered excellent visibility, while the fixed, split‑axle undercarriage could be easily replaced with floats for seaplane training. Throughout the 1930s a total of roughly 500 units were produced, serving not only in Italy but also in export markets such as Spain, Brazil and Argentina. The Ca.100’s durability and forgiving flight characteristics helped train a generation of pilots who later flew Italy’s combat aircraft in World War II, and its design influenced later trainer biplanes worldwide. Today only a few restored examples remain, representing an important chapter in interwar aviation training. Preserved on display in museums across Italy, the Ca.100 continues to inspire admiration for its contribution to pilot education.