With a streamlined, smooth aesthetic, classic Italian lines and excellent performance – it’s hard to understand why the CANT Z.511, which already holds such the accolade to its name of being the largest floatplane of all time – has been largely forgotten.
The CANT Z.511 was a four-engine long-range seaplane designed by Filippo Zappata of the “Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico” (CRDA) company. Originally designed for the Central and South Atlantic passenger routes, it was later adapted as a military transport and special raider.
Design and Development
The design for the construction of a large four-engine, twin-float seaplane began at the end of September 1937, when the technical department of CRDA accepted the specifications of the LATI (Compagnia Ala Littoria) company, created in 1939, who required a long-range seaplane for carrying mail, cargo and passengers to Latin America.
These plans were cancelled on the outbreak of World War II, but a version of the aircraft was adapted for long-range maritime patrol, armed with 10 single-mount 12.7 mm (0.500 in) machine guns in both side gun positions, in two upper turrets, and belly positions. Plans were made to install 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon in a front turret or in a glazed nose position, and more machine guns in a tail position.
For bombing, it was adapted to carry up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of bombs in an internal bomb bay and on outer wing positions: up to four launch racks, for 454 mm (17.9 in) air-launched torpedoes for surface attack, or “Maiale” manned torpedoes or midget submarines for special operations.
The original engines were relatively underpowered, so Zappata asked the authorities for permission to acquire 1,193 kW (1,600 hp) Wright R-2600 Double Cyclones from the United States. Due to the deteriorating international situation, however, he was unable to obtain authorization. The CANT Z.511 civil aircraft could theoretically carry 16 passengers over 5,000 km (2,700 nmi; 3,100 mi). Later, when adapted as a military transport, four 1,119 kW (1,501 hp) Piaggio P.XII R.C.35 were used, giving only adequate power to an aircraft weighing up to 34 t (75,000 lb), giving it a maximum range of 4,500 km (2,400 nmi; 2,800 mi).
Sources: YouTube; Wikipedia