Luigino Caliaro examines the Italian pioneer’s 1914-18 biplane and triplane giants – and untangles their destinations
Development
The Italian pioneer who harnessed the potential of the strategic bomber
Shortly before the outbreak of World War One, Italian aviation pioneer Gianni Caproni designed an innovative multi-engine aircraft capable of carrying a considerable bomb load to a distant target. Meanwhile, the commander of Italy’s Battaglione Aviatori, Capitano Giulio Douhet, realised that, with Caproni’s aeroplanes, he had the ideal means to develop his theories — at the time still embryonic — on the true capabilities of air assets.
