CRDA Cant Z.501
| CANT Z.501 Gabbiano | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Maritime patrol / long-range bomber |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
February 7, 1934 |
| Production time: |
1935– |
| Number of pieces: |
454 |
The CANT Z.501 Gabbiano ( German seagull ) was a single-engine Italian flying boat from 1934.
development
The CANT Z.501 served in the Regia Aeronautica as a sea scout and long-range bomber . The machine was developed by Filippo Zappata from CRDA (Cantiere Riuniti dell'Adriatico).
The first flight took place on February 7, 1934. Two long-distance records were set with the machine in 1934/35. The first flight led from Monfalcone near Trieste to Massaua in Eritrea over 4120 km. The second flight was to Berbera in Northern Somalia over 4957 km. Series production of the machine began in 1935.
The plane was used in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the Franco nationalists from Mallorca .
At the beginning of the Second World War , Italy had over 200 machines of this type. They were mainly used for patrol flights over the Mediterranean Sea and for sea rescue . In mid-1941 a Z.501 sank the British submarine HMS Union .
After the surrender of Italy on September 8, 1943, some copies of the Republic of Salò were used in the Aeronautica Cobelligerante Italiana . The Romanian Air Force also used some machines for coastal surveillance.
A total of 454 machines were manufactured. The last machines were taken out of service in 1950.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 4-5 |
| length | 14.30 m |
| span | 22.50 m |
| height | 4.40 m |
| Wing area | 62 m² |
| Wing extension | 8.2 |
| Empty mass | 3850 kg |
| Max. Takeoff mass | 7050 kg |
| Top speed | 275 km / h |
| Service ceiling | 7000 m |
| Range | 1223 km |
| Engines | a 12-cylinder V-engine Isotta Fraschini Asso XI RC2C.15, 900 PS (662 kW) |
| Armament | three 7.7 mm machine guns, 640 kg bombs |
