Italy's Cant Z.501 Gabbiano "Gull" flying boat
Photos
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat under attack:  |
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat:  |
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat:  |
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat:  |
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat:  Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Cant Z.501 Gabbiano flying boat:  Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook |
Design
The Cant Z.501 Gabbiano ("Gull") was Italy's only major flying boat used in World War II.1 Civilian models of the Gabbiano were produced before the Regia Aeronautica selected it to be an armed reconnaissance / maritime patrol aircraft.1
The CANT Z.501 was designed by Filippo Zappata.2
The Z.501 was a high wing flying boat.2 It had two lateral floats.2
The Z.501's primary construction material was wood.1,2
Armament
The bombs were carried outside under the wing in racks.2 Typically these were four 352 lb bombs.2
Prototype
The Gabbiano first flew in August 1934.1
Production
Production continue until 1942.1
- Cant Z.501 Gabbiano: 4451
- Manufacturer: Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico2
Variants
- Cant Z.501 Gabbiano:
Usage
The Gabbiano was used by Italy, Romania, and Spain.1
Long Distance Records
From 1934 to 1935 the Gabbiano set several long distance records.1 These involved flying from Monfalcone (location of Cant's factory) to Eritea and then to Somaliland nonstop.1
Mario Stoppani flew a CANT Z.501 over 2,600 miles from Monfalcone, Italy to Massausa, Ethiopia on October 19, 1934 in 26 hours and 35 minutes.2
World War II
There were 15 squadrons equipped with the 202 Gabbianos that were available at the start of World War II.1,2
By the time of Italy's surrender there were only about 40 Z.501s left.1
When Italy surrendered in September 1943 around 30 of the Z.501s went to the south and 40 went to the Luftwaffe.2
Post War
A few Cant Z.501s served on in the Italian Air Force until 1950.1
Specifications
| Cant Z.501 Gabbiano "Gull" | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bomber3, Maritime patrol flying boat1, Naval reconnaissance2,3 |
| Crew | 4 - 51,2 |
| Engine (Type) | Isotta-Fraschini Asso XIR3, Isotta-Fraschini Asso XI R2 C151, Isotta-Fraschini Asso XI RC 152 |
| OR | Isotta-Fraschini Asso 750 R2 |
| Cylinders | V 121,2 |
| Cooling | Liquid2 |
| HP | Asso 750: 7502 Asso XI: 8803, 9001,2 |
| Propeller blades | 31 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 73' 10"1,2,3 22.5 m1 |
| Length | 46' 11"1,3, 49' 1"2 14.3 m1 |
| Height | 14' 6"1,2,3 4.42 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 8,488 lb1 3,850 kg1 |
| Loaded | 13,000 lb3, 13,117 lb1, 13,135 lb2 5,950 kg1 |
| Maximum load | 15,542 lb1 7,050 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed | 170 mph3, 171 mph2 |
| Speed @ 8,200' / 2,500 m |
171 mph1 275 kph1 |
| Cruising speed | |
| Climb to 13,120' / 4,000 m |
18 minutes1 |
| Service ceiling | 22,966'1, 23,000'2 7,000 m1 |
| Range | 620 miles3, 1,490 miles1, 1,600 miles2 2,398 km1 |
| Armament | |
| Bow | 1: 7.7 mm MG1,2 1: MG3 |
| Dorsal hull | 1: 7.7 mm MG1,2 1: MG3 |
| Rear engine nacelle | 1: 7.7 mm MG1,2 2: MG3 |
| Bombs on struts | 1,401 lb1, 1,410 lb2 640 kg1 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
- Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943
