What plan existed for the CANT Z.511?

Short answer

The Z.511 was conceived in the late 1930s to link Italy with Latin America, carrying mail, cargo and passengers, and the project turned into a multirole, long-range military aircraft for maritime patrol and attack. It was adapted to carry up to 4,000 kg of bombs, 454 mm torpedoes, or "Maiale" manned torpedoes.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Cant Z511(Idro Gigante)1s

From transatlantic airliner to military aircraft

The CANT Z.511 was conceived in the late 1930s as an aircraft intended to link Italy with Latin America, carrying mail, cargo and passengers. The project ended up turned into a multirole, long-range military aircraft, with maritime patrol and attack as its core missions. It made its first flight in October 1940. Only two examples were built.

Bombs and torpedoes

For the bomber role, it was adapted to carry up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) of bombs, split between an internal bay and positions on the outer wing. Those outer positions could carry up to four launchers with 454 mm (17.9 in) air-dropped torpedoes, intended for attacks against surface targets.

"Maiale" and combat swimmers in the cockpit

Another option was to replace those torpedoes with "Maiale" manned torpedoes, or midget submarines, intended for special operations. There could apparently be four of them, and their combat-swimmer crews would travel inside the aircraft's cabin until the moment they were deployed.