Warplanes of Italy: Regia Aeronautica, CANTZ.501 Gabbiano

Photos of the Regia Aeronautica CANTZ.501 Gabbiano

(Regia Aeronautica Photo)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Gull) maritime patrol float plane.

The CANT Z.501 was a single-engine, high-wing monoplane flying boat introduced in 1934. It served with the Regia Aeronautica (Italian Air Force) as a maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and search and rescue aircraft. It had a crew of 4–5, a long endurance (over 12 hours), and was capable of operating from water without land-based airfields.Though innovative at first, it became outdated by WWII. It was underpowered, poorly armed, and vulnerable to enemy fighters. Despite this, it remained in service throughout the war due to a lack of replacements. Its long range and ability to stay aloft for extended missions made it valuable, especially in the Mediterranean.

(Regia Aeronautica Photo)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Gull) maritime patrol float plane.

The CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Italian: Gull) was a parasol wing flying boat with two outboard stabilising floats. The engine was contained in a nacelle mounted in the middle of the wing. It had a crew of 4–5 men and served with the Italian Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War as a reconnaissance aeroplane. During its debut in 1934, it set a world distance record. It was obsolete by 1940, but was still used throughout the Second World War, suffering many losses. A few remained in service until 1949. (Wikipedia)

(Regia Aeronautica Photo)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Gull) maritime patrol float plane, 1945.

(Regia Aeronautica Photo)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Gull) maritime patrol float plane.

(Australian War Memorial Photo MEA0311)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Gull) maritime patrol float plane, found intact by the RAAF on the occupation of Sicily, Italy. c. September 1943.  No. 3 Squadron also acquired a CANT Z.501 Gabbiano single engined reconnaissance flying boat at Bari, also coded CV-V, although it was not flown.  CANT Z.501 coded 147-11, HK976 was pressed into service in the RAF on 20 December 1943 after Italy surrendered.  This floatplane eventually went to the Free French.

(Regia Aeronautica Photo)

Three CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (146 Squadriglia, 85 Gruppo) enjoying the “ground effect” over water.

(Regia Aeronautica Photos)

CANT Z.501 Gabbiano.