It was originally developed for the civil market, performing its maiden flight during 1925 and being introduced as an airliner, capable of carrying up to 10 passengers at a time.

The aircraft found a second use when the newly independent Regia Aeronautica sought a more capable light bomber to quickly replace its First World War era inventory.

[1] In terms of its flying characteristics, the aircraft was considered to be relatively easy to operate, possessing flight controls that were both quite responsive and fairly light, the latter being achieved via the suitable balancing of the ailerons and rudder.

[4] The aircraft's climb performance was also considered to be relatively good for the era; while carrying a useful payload of 2,300 kg (5,070 lb.

[3] The publication of General Giulio Douhet's seminal treatise on strategic bombing Il dominio dell'aria (The Command of the Air) in 1921 had left Italy's military planners acutely aware of a lack of this capability.

Established as a separate service in 1923, the Regia Aeronautica initially relied upon First World War-vintage Caproni Ca.3 bombers, and a replacement was promptly sought.