Caudron C.430 Rafale
Caudron · France · first flew 1934 · light aircraft
The Caudron C.430 Rafale was a French racing monoplane developed in 1934 as part of Caudron's highly successful line of speed aircraft, designed to compete in the air races of the interwar period. Its aerodynamically refined airframe gave it impressive performance for its engine power.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.1 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- French racing monoplane of the 1930s air race circuit
- Very clean low-drag airframe designed for speed
- Part of Caudron's successful racing aircraft family
Identifiable by its very short wingspan relative to fuselage, extremely clean cowling, and the refined aerodynamic finish characteristic of 1930s French racing aircraft.
Specifications
- The Caudron C.430 Rafale has a length of 7.1 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.7 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 305 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Caudron as a racing aircraft, the C.430 was part of a family that included the famous C.460 which won the Thompson Trophy. The Rafale name was shared across several Caudron racing variants.
Variants
The C.430 was one of several closely related Caudron racing types including the C.362, C.460, and others, each refined for competition.
Where you'll see it
Used exclusively in air racing; the type had no military or commercial operational service.
Related aircraft
- Caudron C.440 Goéland
- Caudron C.530 Rafale
- Caudron C.635 Simoun
- Caudron C.280 Phalène
- Aichi E10A
- Avia B.122
- Avro 671 Rota
- Blohm & Voss Ha 135
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.