The CANT Z.506 Airone was a triple engine floatplane produced from 1935.
It served as a transport and postal aircraft with the Italian airline “Ala Littoria”.
It established 10 world records in 1936 and another 10 in 1937.
During World War II it was used as a reconnaissance aircraft, bomber and air-sea rescue plane, by the Italian Regia Aeronautica and Regia Marina, Aeronautica Cobelligerante del Sud, Aeronautica Nazionale Repubblicana and the Luftwaffe.
The military version revealed itself to be one of the best floatplanes ever built.
Despite its wooden structure it was able to operate in very rough seas.
A number of Z.506S air-sea rescue aircraft remained in service until 1959.
Variants
Z.506
Prototype, one built.
Z.506A
Civil version
Z.506B
Military version.
Z.506C
Civil version.
Z.506S
Air-sea rescue version
Z.506 Landplane
One aircraft was converted to a landplane for an attempt by Mario Stoppani on an endurance record.
It did not take place due to bad weather.
Z.509
A larger and heavier version of the Z.506B, three built.