CAMAL Studio Unveils Sculptural Caproni Vortice Helicopter Concept

Turin-based CAMAL Studio has designed the Vortice helicopter concept for historic Italian aviation brand Aeroplani Caproni, unveiled this year. The aircraft is formed from the intersection of only two solids—a sphere and a half-torus—collapsing cabin, tail, and rotor housing into one continuous surface. The design eliminates sharp edges and visual clutter, adopting a formal language closer to sculpture than aerospace engineering. The fully glazed cabin acts as a bubble, with a diagonal cut that exposes engine mechanics and seat structure, turning technical components into visible design. Inside, the cockpit prioritizes ergonomics and clarity: pre-flight switches are grouped by use order, a mirrored collective control frees central space, and red cyclic/collective levers aid quick identification. Door handles use a combined rotation-and-translation movement for tactile confirmation of closure. Studio director Alessandro Camorali describes the concept as "the harmonious meeting of primitive forms and modern style," aiming for something "sculpted by the wind and simplicity."