Caproni Vizzola F.5

The Caproni Vizzola F.5 was a single‑seat, low‑wing fighter prototype built in Italy during the final years of World War II. Designed by the Vizzola branch of the Caproni aeronautical group, the aircraft first flew in 1943 under the designation MM. 571. It was intended to replace the aging Fiat G.50 and Macchi C.200 by offering higher speed, better climb rate and modern armament. The F.5 was powered by a 1,200 hp Isotta Fraschini Delta R.C.40 liquid‑cooled V‑12 engine, driving a three‑bladed propeller. Its all‑metal stressed‑skin construction and retractable undercarriage gave a clean aerodynamic profile, while the wing incorporated a thin laminar‑flow section and flaps capable of improving lift at low speeds. Armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Breda‑SAFAT machine guns mounted in the nose, with provision for external racks to carry up to 200 kg of bombs. Only two prototypes were completed; development was halted by Italy’s 1943 armistice and subsequent resource shortages. Although it never entered production, the F.5 demonstrated Caproni’s ability to integrate advanced power‑plant and aerodynamic concepts, influencing post‑war Italian designs such as the G.91 and contributing to the country’s transition toward more modern jet fighters.