Caudron C.460
Caudron-Renault · France · first flew 1934 · light aircraft
The Caudron C.460 was a highly refined French racing monoplane of the 1930s, capable of over 500 km/h, which achieved international success at air races including the Thompson Trophy and the Deutsch de la Meurthe Cup. Its exceptionally clean aerodynamic design made it one of the fastest piston aircraft of its era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.11 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 1930s French air race monoplane with retractable undercarriage
- Single inline engine with long streamlined cowling
- Winner of the 1936 Thompson Trophy race
An extremely small and sleek low-wing monoplane with almost no fuselage depth, a tightly cowled inline engine, retractable main gear, and a very short wingspan giving a stubby, dart-like appearance.
Specifications
- The Caudron C.460 has a length of 7.11 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.75 m (22 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 500 km/h (311 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Marcel Riffard at Caudron using Renault engine expertise, the C.460 won the 1936 Thompson Trophy in the United States flown by Michel Détroyat, the first time a foreign aircraft had won the event. Its all-metal stressed-skin construction and retractable undercarriage set it apart from contemporaries.
Variants
The C.460 was the production racing version; earlier C.450 and C.461 variants also competed.
Where you'll see it
Used exclusively for air racing; no military service.
Related aircraft
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