The Caproni Bomber is an American World War I bomber in Empires: Dawn of the Modern World. They were originally from Italy. The bomber's ability to bomb several times before returning to base makes it one of the strongest bombers of World War I.
Description[]
In the infancy of military flight, the Italians were a force to be reckoned with. Led by the aviation genius, Gianni Caproni, Italy developed a sizable air force and several notable aircraft. One such was the Caproni Ca.36 bomber, which American pilots trained on and flew into combat late in WWI. Evolved from the Ca.32, which first flew in 1914, the Ca.36 was a three-engine biplane with a triple-tail, two Revelli 6.5 mm machine guns, and a bomb load of just over 1,700 pounds. With a range of 372 miles and a maximum speed of just shy of 90 MPH, it was a solid performer for the era. Indeed, Caproni Ca.36 aircraft remained in Italian service until 1929, more than a decade after the end of the war.
For Americans, the chance to fly bombers in combat was a godsend. Lacking its own aircraft and facilities, the fledgling American air arm turned to Italy for help. A delegation of Americans, including then-Congressman and future NYC Mayor Capt. Fiorello LaGuardia, served with the Italians, flying Caproni's in the first bomber operations by American pilots. In Empires, the Ca.36 gives the Americans a WWI-era strategic bombing capability significantly better than that of other nations. With the great durability and survivability that would become typical of US bombers, the Caproni can also make multiple passes over enemy targets, bombing them repeatedly for maximum effect. Unlike other nation's planes, which get but one pass at a target before having to return to base, the Caproni's usher in the era of true strategic aviation, and show just how capable the first truly modern bomber force can be.
In an era when airpower is still in its formative period, and defenses are not yet fully developed, the Caproni offers the Americans a chance to break the deadlock of grinding ground offensives. Striking deep into enemy territory, more than a match for the primitive fighter planes of the era, these Italian stallions in American service show their thoroughbred lineage. Used in quantity, relying on their ability to absorb punishment and hit targets again and again, the Ca.36 should be a familiar sight in the skies above American territory-and the territory of the United States' enemies.[1]
Strengths[]
- Strong vs.land units.
Weaknesses[]
- Weak vs. anti-air units and Fighters.
See also[]
References[]
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