CAMS 55
Chantiers Aéro-Maritimes de la Seine · France · first flew 1928 · transport aircraft
The CAMS 55 was a French biplane flying boat developed from the CAMS 51, produced for the French Navy as a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
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Spot it by:
- French interwar military patrol flying boat
- Biplane layout with tandem push-pull engines
- Used for maritime reconnaissance by the French Navy
Similar to the CAMS 51 but larger and configured for military patrol use; biplane flying boat with twin push-pull engines, twin fins, and military equipment including gun positions.
Specifications
- The CAMS 55 has a length of 16 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 26.5 m (87 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service with the Aéronavale in 1929, the CAMS 55 conducted maritime patrols over French coastal waters and colonial territories. It remained in service until the late 1930s when replaced by more modern monoplane flying boats.
Variants
CAMS 55/1 initial naval version; CAMS 55/10 improved variant with more powerful engines; approximately 40 aircraft built across variants.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the French Navy (Aéronavale) on patrol duties in metropolitan France and overseas territories through the 1930s.
Related aircraft
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