Designed by Ingeniere Rodolfo Verduxio, the Caproni Ca 133 was an aerodynamically and structurally improved Ca 1O1 which first appeared in 1927. Of welded steel-tube construction with metal and fabric covering, the Ca 133 featured faired engine nacelles with NACA cowlings, main wheel spats, flaps and modified tail surfaces. The civil version accommodating up to 16 passengers, was used by Ala Littoria, and the military version saw wide service with the Regia Aeronautica, particularly in Italian East Africa. Incorporating two small bomb bays in its structure and armed with four 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine-guns it was operated as a bomber under the designation Ca 133.

A Caproni Ca 148 of the Italian airline Ala Littoria. It was an improved but unarmed passenger version of the Ca 133

Bomber aircraft deployed as military transports, with an interior fitted out to accommodate 18 fully equipped troops, were redesignated Ca i33T and, similarly, conversions for use in an ambulance role were designated Ca 133S. In 1938 a small number of an improved version of the Ca 133 was introduced under the designation Ca 148, serving initially in East Africa, and some survived to fly with the post-war Italian air force. The Ca 148 differed from the earlier aircraft by having the cockpit moved forward by approximately 3 ft (0.91 m), the main cabin door relocated from its original position below the port wing to a point behind the trailing edge, and strengthened landing gear. Exact figures are not known, but its thought around 419 Ca 133s were built with an other 106 Ca 148s being produced as well.  

Caproni Ca 133 - The Ca 133 was modernised version of the Ca 101, cleaned up aerodynamically and given improved engines in an attempt to prolong the type's career as an 16 passenger airliner and second line or "colonial" bomber and transport.

Caproni Ca 133S - The designation of bomber aircraft converted to the role of Air Ambulance. This type was unarmed.

Caproni Ca 133T - The designation of bomber aircraft converted over for use as troop transports. The bomb bays were removed and seats for 18 fully armed troops were added. The type retained its machine-gun armament.

Caproni Ca 148 - This version was first introduced in 1938 and featured many improvements over the Ca 133. Intended as a civil airliner, it nonetheless saw action in East Africa and later served with the post-war Italian Air Force. The most recognisable changes were moving the cockpit forward about 3 ft (0.91 m) and relocating the main cabin door from its original position below the port wing to a point to the rear of the trailing edge. The landing gear was also strengthened.

(Caproni Ca 133)

Type: Two Seat Civil Transport & Military Transport/Bomber

Accommodation/Crew: (Ca 133 civil) Pilot, Co-pilot/Navigator & 16 passengers. (Ca 133T) Pilot, Co-pilot/Navigator & 18 fully equipped troops. (Ca 133 bomber) Pilot, Co-pilot/Navigator & two gunners

Design: Ingeniere Rodolfo Verduzio

Manufacturer: Societa Italiana Caproni in Milan (Taliedo) under the direction of Gianni Caproni

Powerplant: Three 460 hp (343 kW) Piaggio Stella P.VII C.16 7-cylinder radial engines.

Performance: Maximum speed 174 mph (280 km/h); cruising speed 143 mph (230 km/h); service ceiling 18,045 ft (5500 m).

Range: 839 miles (1350 km) with normal load.

Weight: Empty 8,818 lbs (4000 kg) with a maximum take-off weight of 14,473 lbs (6565 kg).

Dimensions: Span 69 ft 8 1/2 in (21.25 m); length 50 ft 4 1/4 in (15.35 m); height 13 ft 1 1/2 in (4.00 m); wing area 699.68 sq ft
(65.00 sqm).

Armament: Four 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Breda-SAFAT machine-guns (side door, dorsal turret and ventral positions) plus up to 1,102 lbs (500 kg) of bombs in two small bomb bays and/or external racks.

Variants: Ca 133, Ca 133S (ambulance), Ca 133T (transport), Ca 148.

Equipment/Avionics: None.

History: First flight (Ca 133) December 1934.