CANT Z.506

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CANT Z.506 Airone

Type	Patrol aircraft
Manufacturer	Cantiere Navali Triestino
Primary user	Regia Aeronautica

The CANT Z.506 Airone (Italian: Heron) was a triple engine float plane that served with the Italian Regia Aeronautica during World War II. The first military versions of the aircraft, the Z.506B, entered service in 1939. The Z.506B was originally used as a torpedo/reconnaissance bomber early in the war, but was pressed into other duties, because of its vulnerability against fighter aircraft. Later in the war, it was used in mostly maritime patrol and air-sea rescue missions. A special air-sea rescue version, the Z.506S Soccorso, was produced; with small number number being flown by the Luftwaffe. Surviving aircraft served with the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force after Italy's surrender in 1943 and some examples survived in postwar service until 1959.

1 Specifications (Z.506B Series XII)
2 Operators
3 References
4 Related content

[edit] Specifications (Z.506B Series XII)

Data from The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II^[1]

General characteristics

Crew: 5
Length: 19.24 m (63 ft 1.5 in)
Wingspan: 26.50 m (86 ft 11.3 in)
Height: 7.45 m (24 ft 5.3 in)
Wing area: 86.26 m² (928.53 ft²)
Empty weight: 8,750 kg (19,300 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 12,705 kg (28,010 lb)
Powerplant: 3× Alfa-Romeo 126RC.34 radial engines, 559 kW (750 hp) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 350 km/h (190 knots, 220 mph)
Range: 2,000 km (1,100 nm, 1,200 mi)
Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)

Armament

Guns:
- 1× 12.7 mm (0.50 in) machine gun
- 3× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns
Bombs:
- 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) of general ordnance or
- 1× 800 kg (1,800 lb) torpedo