CANT Z.1007 Alcione

The CANT Z.1007 Alcione was a three‑engine medium bomber designed and built in Italy by Cantieri Aeronautici e Navali Triestini (CANT) during the late 1930s. First flying in December 1937, the aircraft entered service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1939 and saw extensive action throughout World War II, from the Spanish Civil War to the North African and Eastern Front campaigns. Its all‑metal construction, low‑wing monoplane layout and retractable undercarriage were advanced for the period. Powered by three 850‑hp Alfa Romeo 126 radial engines, the Z‑1007 could reach 470 km/h and carry up to 1,200 kg of bombs, while also mounting defensive armament of 12.7 mm machine guns in dorsal, ventral and lateral positions. The aircraft’s relatively long range and respectable payload made it a versatile platform, later adapted for transport, maritime patrol and night‑fighter roles. Although its wooden‑laden early versions suffered from structural weaknesses, continual refinements improved durability and performance. The Z‑1007’s operational flexibility and its contribution to Italian strategic bombing highlight its significance as one of the most capable Italian combat aircraft of the era, embodying CANT’s engineering ambition. Its legacy endures in post‑war Italian aviation history, influencing later multi‑engine designs.

Cantieri Aeronautici e Navali Triestini

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification