Norway’s Forgotten WWII Plane

The Caproni Ca.310, an Italian twin-engine reconnaissance and light bomber aircraft, has a fascinating history—especially in Norway, where it was nicknamed the “Klippfiskbomberen” or Salted Cod Bomber.

Forgotten WWII Plane

Measuring 12.2 meters long with a 16.2-meter wingspan, the Ca.310 weighed 3,400 kg empty and 4,650 kg fully loaded. It was powered by two Piaggio Stella radial engines, each producing 470 hp, giving it a top speed of 365 km/h, a 1,690 km range, and a 7,000-meter service ceiling. Armed with three 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns and capable of carrying 450 kg of bombs, it was a capable light bomber, though not without flaws.

Acquisition and Service

In 1938, Norway purchased four Ca.310s through a barter deal exchanging dried cod with Italy. The aircraft retained their original Italian camouflage, with Norwegian colors painted on the tail and wings. Norway planned to produce 10 more locally and ordered 15 improved Ca.312 bis models, but the German invasion prevented their delivery.

Nicknamed “Hangar Queens” due to their underpowered engines, the four aircraft were used for neutrality patrols. On April 9, 1940, when Germany invaded Norway, two Ca.310s were destroyed on the ground, and only one, Caproni 505, managed to take off. Piloted by Lt. Hansson, it provided support until ordered to land on a beach, where it was later burned by the Germans.

Restoring History

Nearly six decades later, the Sola Aviation Museum began restoring the remains of Caproni 505. Only fragments of the cockpit, a yoke, and an instrument survived the fire, requiring extensive rebuilding. After years of work, the project was finally completed in 2025, restoring the last surviving Ca.310 to its original appearance.