CANT 38

2 min read

Hoping to secure orders from the Regia Aeronautica and international customers, the management of Cantieri Aeronautici e Navali Triestini (CANT) tasked engineer Raffaele Conflenti with developing a modernized version of the CANT 21bis reconnaissance flying boat.

Table of Contents

Ambitious Development

The primary focus was on new equipment and a rational layout for the new flying boat, while retaining the external appearance of its predecessor. However, the project, designated CANT 38, failed to generate interest.

It was ultimately canceled before the completion of the first prototype. This ambitious endeavor did not attract the expected attention, marking a turning point in its development.

A Marketing Deception

The existing photographs of the CANT 38 are, in fact, merely a marketing trick. They simply show a CANT 21bis flying boat with its designation replaced by “CANT 38”.

This project proved to be Raffaele Conflenti’s last with the CANT company, closing an important chapter in his career with the Italian firm.

Technical Specifications

Modification	CANT 38
Wingspan, m	16.00
Length, m	10.70
Empty weight	2050
Engine type	1 Piston engine Isotta Fraschini Asso 500
Power, hp	1 x 520
Maximum speed, km/h	220
Crew, crew members	3
Armament	two 7.7-mm machine guns

Image gallery of the CANT 38

Italy