CAP-1 Planalto

The CAP‑1 Planalto was the first indigenous aircraft produced by the Brazilian firm Paulista Aeronáutica in the early 1950s. Conceived as a light, two‑seat trainer and liaison plane, the Model 1 entered development in 1949 when the Brazilian Air Force sought a domestically built aircraft to replace aging training fleets and reduce reliance on imported types. Construction began at Paulista’s São Paulo factory and the prototype flew on 12 March 1952, powered by a 115 hp Continental O‑200 engine, a high‑reliability unit that gave the Planalto a cruise speed of 180 km/h and a range of 650 km. Its airframe featured an all‑metal semi‑monocoque fuselage, a low‑wing cantilever layout, and fixed, spatted landing gear, making maintenance straightforward and operating costs low. The cockpit was equipped with dual controls, basic flight instruments, and a clear, bubble‑shaped canopy that provided excellent visibility for student pilots. Although only a modest production run of 48 examples was completed, the CAP‑1 served the Brazilian Air Force and several civil aero clubs until the late 1960s, establishing a foundation for later Paulista designs such as the CAP‑2 and CAP‑3. The aircraft is remembered as a milestone in Brazil’s quest for self‑sufficiency in aviation technology.