Caproni 133 in Belgium

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hokusai
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Caproni 133 in Belgium

Post by hokusai » Sun Sep 18, 2022 12:09 pm

Did the Caproni 133T assigned to the fighter sq have defensive weapons or were they completely unarmed?
In Harveys model can assume that the dorsal turret is missing or instead, represented in retracted position?

https://www.stormomagazine.com/ModelArt ... HL_1a.html

Thanks in advance

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Re: Caproni 133 in Belgium

Post by Editor » Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:02 pm

There isn't really allot of information for these planes (Ca.133T Trasporto) sent to Belgium to support 56o Stormo Caccia, composed of CR.42 (18o Gruppo CT) and G.50 (20o Gruppo CT). Twelve Ca.133T were sent in total, 2 per squadron. The one Harvey built belonged to 95a Sq., 18o Gr. CT. Some Ca.133T were converted from Ca.133S which were most certainly unarmed. Stefano might have more information.

Here are a couple of photos of the plane. The second photo was likely taken when the plane first arrived at Ursel and before the white band was applied. The first photo was taken in January 1941 during the plane's return to Italy; in this photo the Ca.133T doesn't appear to be armed, dorsal or ventral. Note the second Ca.133T in the background, and a third on the horizon and likely a fourth from which the photo was taken.

Image

Image

The variants of this plane included:
Ca.133/Ca.133N - bomber
Ca.133S - medical (white + red cross markings)
Ca.133T - transport
Ca.133P - paratrooper training - easily distinguished by the shortened rear engine nacelles on the wings
Ca.133 (Passeggeri) - Civil - easily distinguished by the passenger windows on both sides of the fuselage

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Re: Caproni 133 in Belgium

Post by Editor » Mon Sep 19, 2022 8:29 pm

Here's a drawing of the Ca.133 (bomber), armed:

Image

And here are two more photos (below) of the Ca.133T, note 6-1 in the top and bottom photos. The "dorsal turret" opening is covered in the upper photo (the same for all planes parked - evidently to protect against the elements such as rain from entering the cabin), and in the bottom photo, the same plane 6-1 in flight with a "dorsal turret" retracted, however the opening is not covered. Stefano adds "manual and spare parts catalogue of Ca.133T weapons are included, most operational pictures show them unarmed. This was to spare weight and room and because they were escorted by fighters in hot areas."

Image

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