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Italy's Cant Z.501 Gabbiano "Gull" flying boat¹

Cant Z.501 Gabbiano under attack:

Cant Z.501 Gabbiano:

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 Z.501's primary construction material was wood.¹

Prototype

The Gabbiano first flew in August 1934.¹

Production

Production continue until 1942.¹

• Total: 445¹

Variants

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

World War II

There were 15 squadrons equipped with the 202 Gabbianos that were available at the start of World War II.¹

By the time of Italy's surrender there were only about 40 Z.501s left.¹

Post War

A few Cant Z.501s served on in the Italian Air Force until 1950.¹

	Cant Z.501 Gabbiano "Gull"1
Type	Maritime patrol flying boat1
Crew	4 - 51
Engine (Type)	Isotta-Fraschini Asso XI R2 C151
Cylinders	V 121
Cooling
HP	9001
Propeller blades	31
Dimensions
Span	73' 10"1 22.5 m1
Length	46' 11"1 14.3 m1
Height	14' 6"1 4.42 m1
Wing area
Weight
Empty	8,488 lb1 3,850 kg1
Loaded	13,117 lb1 5,950 kg1
Maximum load	15,542 lb1 7,050 kg1
Performance
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 7,000 m1
Range	1,490 miles1 2,398 km1
Armament
Bow	1: 7.7 mm MG1
Dorsal hull	1: 7.7 mm MG1
Rear engine nacelle	1: 7.7 mm MG1
Bombs on struts	1,401 lb1 640 kg1

Sources:

1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998

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