Assumed to be one of the two Ca.44s built by Standard Aircraft for the US. Navy. In the photo it was being used to test the sea sled as a platform to launch bombers at sea. The sled would support the bomber until it reached flying speed. There was only one attempt, on the day of the photo. When the Caproni failed to fly the project was cancelled as no longer required following the end of World War I. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland