CANT Z.501

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A Z.501 Gabbiano on the water.

The CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Italian: Gull) was a single engine flying boat that served with the Italian Regia Aeronautica during World War II. It had a crew of four or five and was used mainly for reconnaissance. The prototype flew in 1934. During the 1930s, it set several long distance flight records. Production of the Z.501 began in 1935. When Italy entered the Second World War in 1940, over 200 examples were in service. They patrolled for shipping in the Mediterranean as well as performing air-sea rescue operations. Following Italy's surrender in 1943, a few of these flying boats continued to fly with the Italian Social Republic and the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force.

Specifications (Z.501)

CANT Z.501 on the shore with beaching gear.

References