Caudron G.III

The Caudron G.III was in French army service when the War began. Already in mass production, it was adopted by the Allies and was license-built in England and Italy. A unique wing design made it one of the most controllable wing-warping aeroplanes and extremely easy to fly. After removal from the front-line, it became a trainer. The US used the G.III, some with 10-cylinder Anzani radial engines, as an advanced trainer in France and Italy. Known for its great climbing ability, the Caudron was a suitable aircraft to be used in mountainous terrain and was considered ideal for the needs of the Italian squadrons. Following the War, a Caudron was the first aircraft to cross the Andes Mountains. Aviatrix Adrienne Bolland made this historic flight in 1919.

Cole Palen obtained an original G.III wing panel and engine cowling in 1981, and built this reproduction around an original 80 LeRhone rotary engine, from plans acquired during a visit to the Musée de L’Air in Paris, France. It is painted in Italian colors and markings. The Caudron was featured in the “First Flights” television documentary hosted by astronaut Neil Armstrong, and flew up until the 2019 season when a piston developed a crack. It is awaiting new fabric and engine rebuild to fly once again.

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