Caproni Ca.191 high-wing transport project (1947)

[Stargazer]

It is safe to say that Caproni aircraft had not really taken the measure of aircraft design's rapid evolution when they came up with this somewhat antiquated transport design in 1947...
The Caproni Ca.191 was studied in both inline- and radial-engine versions (Ca.191 and Ca.191A). According to these plans, it was to be powered with two Isotta Fraschini Delta III engines (Apophenia gives them as Delta IV-12 types, suggesting a later iteration of the design).

Again, these documents are all from the current Caproni-related auction at Mallams, and were saved to this forum so that when the auction ends, they are not lost.

 

[Apophenia]

It is safe to say that Caproni aircraft had not really taken the measure of aircraft design's rapid evolution when they came up with this somewhat antiquated transport design in 1947...

Oh, I don't know ... the Ca.191 looks a lot like many of the feederliner designs from those times. (With a more shapely tail, I could see this being a postwar de Havilland design - think DH.95 Flamingo meets DH.114 Heron) Mind you, that glazed nose does give the Caproni an oddly Soviet aspect.

Apologies for any confusion over my "Delta IV-12s". That was just my shorthand for Delta inverted V-12 engines. I wasn't aware that serie III engines were planned. (I've updated that entry now.)

Further on engines, I'd love to know what type of radials were planned for the Ca.191A. In the artist's impression mounted by boxkite, the cowlings make me think of the Alvis Leonides Major. But, perhaps, there was a more suitable, Italian-made candidate at the time?

-- https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/caproni-ca-190-and-ca-191.5551/#post-345766

 

[Hood]

Alvis Leonides Major

1947 would be too early for Leonides Major I think. It's probably a US radial, lots of war surplus around for cheap engines.