A Pre Wwii Italian Biplane

Caproni Ca161: A Record-Breaking Aircraft

A Pre-WWII Italian Biplane

Seeking Altitude Supremacy

In 1936, Italy embarked on a mission to claim the world altitude record with the Caproni Ca161. This single-engined tractor-radial biplane featured a 14-cylinder engine and a four-bladed propeller. Its sleek design hinted at its ambitious purpose.

On May 8, 1937, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Pezzi took to the skies in the Ca161, equipped with a high-altitude pressure suit. As he ascended, the surrounding air thinned, and the strain on his body intensified. But Pezzi persevered, driven by a relentless determination to break the record.

The Ca161 soared higher and higher, leaving behind the clouds and reaching into the stratosphere. With each passing meter, the pressure inside the cockpit dropped, testing the limits of Pezzi's resilience and the aircraft's capabilities. Undeterred, he continued his ascent, his eyes fixed on the altimeter.

Finally, the Ca161 reached a remarkable altitude of 17,083 meters (56,047 feet), a feat that earned Pezzi the coveted world altitude record. This achievement not only showcased the advanced technology and engineering prowess of Italy but also cemented Pezzi's place in aviation history as a trailblazer who dared to defy the boundaries of human flight.