In 1912, René Caudron developed the seaplane designated Caudron J. Its design and construction were virtually identical to the land-based single-engine G.II, but it was fitted with two floats. The wheels passed through special slots in the floats and lacked any mechanism for raising or lowering them.
Development and Early Successes
Three examples of the aircraft were built by order of the French Naval Aviation. In August 1913, the Caudron J won a competition organized by the military in Deauville, demonstrating its capabilities.
Innovative Testing and Service
On May 8, 1914, René Caudron himself performed the first test flight with the second aircraft from a platform located on the gun turret of the cruiser Foudre. This was a significant demonstration of the aircraft’s versatility.
Two Caudron J aircraft were subsequently used in the Black Sea; one of them was later fitted with a 100 hp Gnome engine. The third aircraft was handed over to the Chilean Navy for familiarization and study purposes.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Caudron J |
| Wingspan, m | 15.10 |
| Length, m | 9.00 |
| Height, m | 3.00 |
| Wing area, m2 | 40.00 |
| Empty weight | 500 |
| Normal takeoff weight | 800 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Anzani |
| Power, hp | 1 x 100 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 90 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 80 |
| Crew | 2 |
Image and diagram gallery of the Caudron J
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