Caudron C.61

C.61
Role	transport
Manufacturer	Caudron
First flight	1921

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.61bis

In 1924 many C.61s were modified to take 194 kW (260 hp) Salmson CM.9 radial engines on the outboards, increasing the maximum loaded weight to 4834 kg (10657 lb).

C.81

C.83

C.168

C.183

Operators

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

Specifications (variant)

General characteristics

• Crew: two
• Length: 14 m (45 ft 11.25 in)
• Wingspan: 24.14 m (79 ft 2.5 in)
• Wing area: 104 m² (1119.48 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2200 kg (4850 lb)
• Gross weight: 3480 kg (7672 lb)
• Powerplant: 3 × Hispano-Suiza 8Ac inline piston, 134 kW (180 hp) each each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
• Range: 640 km (398 miles)
• Service ceiling: 4000 m (13125 ft)

Accidents

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