CANT Z.1007 Alcione

Common card · No. 398334

The CANT Z.1007 Alcione (Kingfisher) was a three-engined medium bomber designed and produced by the Italian aircraft manufacturer CANT. It was regarded by some as "the best Italian bomber of World War II", although its wooden structure was easily damaged by the climate in North Africa and in Russia. Designed by Filippo Zappata, who also designed the CANT Z.506 Airone, the Z.1007 had a wooden structure and "excellent flying characteristics and good stability". The prototype performed its maiden flight during March 1937, and the type entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in the following year. The initial production version, powered by Isotta-Fraschini Asso XI.RC inline engines, was not fully satisfactory, and thus was largely confined to use as a trainer while design work continued. An improved model, the Z.1007bis, was developed to resolve the problems with the original aircraft; it was powered by Piaggio P.XI RC.40 radial engines and other design refinements. Production of the type...

Read on Wikipedia · Image uncredited, Public domain