Caudron C.61 Explained

The Caudron C.61 was a French three-engined civil transport biplane aircraft built by the French aeroplane manufacturer Caudron. It was constructed of wood and covered in fabric.

Development

The prototype C.61 (F-ESAE) had a freight hold and cabin for six passengers. The conventional landing gear also included a wheel beneath the nose to prevent nose-overs on landing. For the production C.61s the cabin size was increased to accommodate eight passengers.

Operational history

In 1923, six C.61s were bought by Compagnie Franco-Roumaine de Navigation Aérienne to run between Bucharest and Belgrade.

Variants

C.61: Initial production variant.

C.61bis: In 1924 many C.61s were modified to take Salmson CM.9 radial engines outboard, increasing the maximum loaded weight to .

C.81:1923 trimotor airliner

C.83:1924 Unbuilt trimotor project

C.183:1923 trimotor airliner

Operators

• Compagnie Franco-Roumaine de Navigation Aérienne/Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne

Accidents

• after 1923 (date unknown) - C.61 was lost when it came down at sea
• July 3, 1926 - C.61 operated by Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne crashes in Czechoslovakia^[1]

References

Bibliography

• Encyclopedia: Donald, David. The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. 236 . Prospero Books. 1997. 1-85605375-X.
• Espérou. Robert. de Doux. Joseph. Les Caudron trimoteurs. Le Fana de l'Aviation . May 1983 . 162. 21–26 . 0757-4169 . fr. The Three-engined Caudrons. amp.
• Kotelnikov. V.. Kulikov. V.. Cony. C.. amp . Les avions français en URSS, 1921–1941 . Avions: Toute l'Aéronautique et son histoire . November 2001 . 104 . 37–43 . French Aircraft in the USSR, 1921–1941 . fr . 1243-8650.
• Book: Stroud, John . European Transport Aircraft since 1910 . 1966. Putnam. London.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Accidents by Airline . 2007-09-14 .