Testing of the Ca.163 aerobatic aircraft and its two-seat variant, the Ca.164 military trainer, revealed some poor handling characteristics, but the Ca.164 was pressed into production nevertheless. At least 280 Ca.164s were built, including 70 delivered to France in the first half of 1940. In Italian service they were mostly employed as liaison or 'hack' aircraft. The sole Ca.163, which wore I-WEST in 1939, survived. Note that the upper wing is shorter than the lower wing, as on the Ca.100.

This prototype trainer was designated the Ca.163 and first flown in November 1938. Flight testing revealed some poor handling characteristics and production did not proceed. The problems were mostly remedied and the Ca.164 was ordered by the Regia Aeronautica and the Armée de l'Air. By a curious twist of fate, no Ca.164s but the only Ca.163 survived WWII. The registration I-WEST was painted on the plane but it is unknown if this was ever officially registered. The letters CT in the circle indicate that the aircraft was built at the Caproni factory in Taliedo.

On the inbound from Paris CDG this morning as "Cotam (CTM) 1012 Heavy" These guys always stop in for fuel on their way to Tahiti.

These guys seem to be regular visitors now, and I am not complaining! Arriving this afternoon as CTM1013 from Honolulu.

ex PH-1234

Recently flown across from its Bradley Field base, this Hun awaits processing on the arrivals ramp at DM, having served with the Connecticut ANG's 118th TFS. One of 1,274 built, it was based at Wethersfield, UK in the late 1950's while assigned to the 20th TFW. Ironically, there is also a village called Wethersfield in Connecticut, not far from Bradley Field (Hartford)