Description
Developed by Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico from a design by Ing. Zappata the 501 featured a wooden constructions, a central hull and an extensively braced parasol-wing. Originally conceived as a reconnaissance-bomber flying boat. the CANT. Z. 501 flew in 1934. The same year and over again in 1935, established the world distance record with Mario Stoppani at the controls. Produced in quantity, also by subsidiaries, it was largely employed in the Spanish War and during World War II and afterwards operated with Allied Co-belligerent Air Force. It did a significant job on escort missions, but best remembered for its rescue operations.
