CANSA FC.20
CANSA · Italy · first flew 1941 · bomber
The CANSA FC.20 was a twin-engine Italian monoplane designed in 1941. It began as a reconnaissance bomber and was developed into a ground attack aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.18 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin tail with elliptical endplate fins and rudders
- Cantilever low wing with a straight tapered planform and rounded tips
- Two radial engines ahead of the leading edge, with the main wheels retracting backwards into the engine fairings
Look for a low-wing twin with two radial engines, a twin tail with elliptical fins and a retractable tailwheel housed in a rear fuselage extending beyond the tail.
Specifications
- The CANSA FC.20 has a length of 12.18 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16 m (52 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 420 km/h (261 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The first prototype flew on 12 April 1941, piloted by Moroni. The second prototype, the FC.20bis, had a shortened nose, a cockpit ahead of the wing leading edge and full armament.
Variants
The FC.20 was the long-nosed reconnaissance bomber. The FC.20bis was the ground attack version, and the FC.20ter and FC.20quater flew with different engines, the quater using a Daimler-Benz DB 601 V-12.
Where you'll see it
Only a few FC.20bis were built. Three served with the 174a Squadriglia Ricognizione Strategica in July 1943 but were not used operationally before the armistice of September 1943.
Related aircraft
- CANSA C.6 Falchetto
- CANSA FC.12
- Avro Lancaster
- Avro Lancaster B.I
- Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress
- Brewster SB2A Buccaneer
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