5 Facts About The Biggest Biplane Ever Flown

The Caproni Ca.90 was a groundbreaking aircraft of the 1920s, earning its place as the largest land-based biplane ever built. First flown in October 1929, it was briefly the world’s biggest landplane, second only to the Dornier Do X flying boat in wingspan. Here are five fascinating facts about this colossal aircraft:

1. Largest Land-Based Biplane Ever Built

The Ca.90 was a true giant, dwarfing most planes of its era. Its first flight in 1929 made it the largest landplane at the time, featuring innovative design choices that set it apart from other aircraft.

2. Unique Engineering

The aircraft’s immense size required a steel tubing framework instead of the lighter aluminum commonly used. Its fuselage formed part of the lower wing, a rare configuration for biplanes, and its structure was a mix of fabric cladding and corrugated duraluminum sheeting.

3. Truly Massive Dimensions

Measuring 26.9 meters in length and 10.8 meters in height, the Ca.90’s wings were colossal. The upper wing spanned 34.9 meters, while the lower wing extended 46.6 meters. Control surfaces were equally enormous, with ailerons spanning 22 meters each and a 5-meter tall rudder. When fully loaded, the aircraft weighed 30 tons.

4. Powered by Six Engines

To lift its immense weight, the Ca.90 relied on six 1,000-horsepower Isotta Fraschini Asso W16 engines, arranged in three tandem pairs. Despite Caproni’s concerns about the complexity of multiple engines, the 6,000-horsepower output was essential for the plane’s size and payload.

5. Impressive for Its Size

While not exceptionally fast, the Ca.90 was remarkable for a biplane of its scale. It had an operational range of 1,400 km and could carry an 8,000 kg bomb load, making it a formidable heavy bomber in its time.