Cant Z.1007 Alcione

The CANT Z.1007 Alcione medium bomber, designed by Filippo Zappata, entered service in the late 1930s and was extensively used by the Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War. Characterized by a wooden structure, it featured the typical Italian three-engine configuration. More specifically, its three 1,000 hp Piaggio P.XI radial engines allowed the CANT Z.1007 to reach a maximum speed of 450 km/h. The aircraft could carry 1,200 kg of offensive payload housed in an internal bomb bay. The crew typically consisted of five men, which could increase to six with the addition of a photographic operator for reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions. It was mainly employed in the Mediterranean, Balkan, and North African theaters of operation and is often considered the best medium bomber of the Regia Aeronautica.