Physicists, engineers and soldiers at the origins of the “Istituto Centrale Aeronautico Italiano” (Italian Central Aeronautic Institute)

The current communication presents the results of an ongoing research on the origins and first years of activity of the “Istituto centrale aeronautico italiano” (ICA). The history of the ICA intertwines with the history of research on the high atmosphere, aerostats, airships and the first airplanes, and with the establishment of the Italian air force service.