Caproni Ca.310

The Caproni Ca.310, known as the 'Brescia,' was a twin‑engine reconnaissance and light bomber built by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Caproni in the mid‑1930s. First flying on 21 March 1935, the Ca.310 entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1936, replacing older biplane types in the observation role. Its design featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, a reinforced wooden fuselage, and two 695 hp Alfa Romeo 106 RC.18 radial engines mounted on the wing leading edges. The aircraft could reach a maximum speed of about 425 km/h, had a range of 1,500 km, and carried up to 300 kg of bombs beneath the wings. An enclosed cockpit offered the crew of two (pilot and observer/gunner) moderate protection, while a retractable dorsal machine‑gun turret provided defensive fire. Although the Ca.310 proved reliable and easy to maintain, its performance was soon outclassed by newer monoplanes, leading to limited export success – only a few were sold to Sweden, Finland and Yugoslavia. Nevertheless, the type served as a basis for the more capable Ca.311 and Ca.312 variants, and it marked Caproni’s transition from biplane tradition to modern all‑metal aircraft, influencing Italian aerial doctrine on tactical reconnaissance during World War II.

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