The CANT Z.501 Gabbiano (Italian: seagull) was an Italian long-range flying boat, in the high wing configuration, with a wooden structure. The drive was provided by a single engine Isotta Fraschini Asso XI 900 hp. The prototype flight took place in 1934. Serial production continued in the years 1935-1943, ending with the production of about 450 aircraft of this type. The aircraft was armed with three 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns and a load of up to 600 kg of bombs.
The CANT Z.501 aircraft was designed to replace the Savoia-Marchetti S.78 machine in the line. The new machine differed from its predecessor with a much more improved aerodynamics, a more powerful engine and better flight parameters. It turned out to be a very successful plane, liked by pilots. The baptism of fire of the machine took place during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Later, this type of aircraft took part in the war in the Mediterranean in 1940-1943. A dozen or so machines of this type also served in the aviation of the Italian Social Republic in the years 1943-1945. Aircraft of this type were sold to Spain and Romania.
