P-38G (transformed E version ) captured by the Italians at Capoterra, Sardinia. Regia Aeronautica chief test pilot Lt .Col. Angelo Tondi  claimed to have downed  one B-24 and one B-17 (“Bonnie Sue”) using this plane .


“Italian P-38”

This plane with an outdated look is the Caproni Ca.111, one of the series of multi-purpose colonial airplanes designed by Rodolfo Verduzio and produced by Caproni from late Twenties and Half Thirties, single engine, twin engines and three engines (Ca. 101, Ca.102, Ca.111, Ca.133 and Ca.148), all characterized by a same basic formula: mixed structure, high wing wind-braced, fixed landing gear, all rustic but very strong aircraft employed above all in East Africa during the war against the Ethiopia. In particular during the Abyssinian War the Ca.111, first flight February 1932, first models produced in seaplane version, mass produced as Ca.111RC land aircraft, one liquid cooled engine Isotta Fraschini Asso 750 RC.35, 850HP at 3,500 meter, the Ca.111 fought as light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft but, also, by necessity, contributing to support of the marching Army’s columns with air drop of supplies. Already obsolescent before the outbreak of WW2, the Ca.111 was retired from the front line but switched to other roles carrying out many secondary not active, but forever valuable duties as aerial surveying, light transport, courier and support for the operational units. On 31 July 1943 the Ca.111’s strength of the Regia Aeronautica were of 51 aircraft, but in majority not in flight conditions and stored in various storehouse. All this planes disappeared during the frantic events post-Italian Armistice mainly scrapped. The Italian co-belligerent Air Force had two Ca.111 employed for liaison from Lecce-Galatina to Fighters and Bombers Groups. Also this planes disappeared just the end of the hostilities. The Ca.111 of this color photo has a “continental camouflage” and the landscape suggest the Italian mainland. Notice the Handley-Page slat on the leading edge wing. Victor Sierra

Outdated, but still useful

Five SM 79 in formation. Note the different color schemes on the aircraft.