The Cant Z.501 Gabbiano (gull) light
reconnaissance flying-boat was serving
in fairly large numbers with the
Regia Aeronautica when Italy entered
World War II ...
Largest float seaplane to give widespread
operational service during
World War II (although arguably the
convertible Junkers Ju 52/3mW might
lay claim to this ...
Along with the Savoia-Marchetti
S.M.79, the CANT Z.1007 Alcione
series of bombers served as
the backbone of the Regia Aeronautica's
conventional and torpedo strike
forces ...
