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Caproni Ca42 triplane bomber
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Caproni Ca42 triplane bomber
Caproni Ca42 five-man triplane bomber, delivered in early 1918. Seen here is serial no. N 527 (British), operated by the RNAS. Date: circa 1918
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Media ID 14221944
© Hugh W. Cowin Aviation Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Caproni Rnas Serial Triplane Wheels Wide Wing Wings Bomber
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This evocative photograph captures the imposing presence of a Caproni Ca42 triplane bomber, serial number N 527, on the ground during the First World War. Delivered in early 1918, this five-man triplane bomber was a formidable addition to the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) arsenal. The Ca42, designed by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Caproni, was a large and powerful aircraft for its time, boasting a wingspan of over 40 feet and a length of nearly 47 feet. Its distinctive triplane configuration, with three wings arranged in a trapezoidal pattern, provided exceptional lift and maneuverability. As seen in this image, the Ca42 was operated by a crew of five, including the pilot, observer, and three gunners. The observer, positioned in the rear cockpit, was responsible for navigating and directing the bomber's attack runs. The gunners, armed with machine guns, manned the front and rear fuselage guns, providing defensive firepower. The Ca42 was primarily used as a bomber, carrying a payload of up to 1,100 pounds of bombs. Its large size and bomb capacity made it a formidable weapon against enemy targets on the ground. The aircraft's wide wheels and robust construction allowed it to take off and land on rough terrain, making it a versatile asset for the RNAS. This photograph, taken circa 1918, captures the Ca42 in its wartime element, a testament to the technological advancements and innovation that defined the era of World War I aviation. The Ca42, with its distinctive triplane configuration and impressive capabilities, remains an iconic symbol of the heroic men and machines that shaped the history of flight.
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