CANT Z.506B Airone

Piaggio Aerospace; Cantieri Aeronautici e Navali Triestini · Italy · first flew 1938 · bomber

The CANT Z.506B Airone (Heron) is the military torpedo-bomber and maritime patrol variant of the Z.506 floatplane, serving as Italy's principal naval patrol bomber during World War II. It carried torpedoes or bombs and was armed with defensive machine guns.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• Three-engine military floatplane with torpedo/bomb capability
• Ventral gondola housing bomb aimer and gunner
• Distinctive twin-float high-wing torpedo bomber silhouette

Distinguished from the civil Z.506 by the ventral gunner's gondola, dorsal gun positions, and military paintwork; the overall high-wing triple-engine floatplane form is shared with the civil variants.

Specifications

• The CANT Z.506B Airone has a length of 19.24 m (63 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 26.5 m (87 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 350 km/h (217 mph).
• Typical crew: 5.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering Regia Aeronautica service in 1938, the Z.506B served extensively over the Mediterranean throughout WWII in bombing, torpedo attack, and maritime reconnaissance roles. Despite its age and relatively modest speed, it remained in service into the war's final stages due to a lack of adequate replacements.

Variants

The Airone was the primary military variant; post-war survivors were used for air-sea rescue duties by the Italian Air Force well into the late 1940s.

Where you'll see it

Served widely with the Regia Aeronautica over the Mediterranean and Adriatic, participating in operations against Allied shipping and conducting maritime patrol from Italian and North African bases.

Related aircraft

• Aero A.300
• Aichi D3A Val
• Amiot 354
• Avia B-158

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