Development and Design of the CAMS 31
In 1922, Rafaele Conflenti, a designer for Chantiers Aeromaritimes de la Seine (CAMS), developed a project for a multi-purpose flying boat intended for the French Naval Aviation. This single-seat flying boat, designated CAMS 31M, was equipped with a 300 hp Hispano-Suiza 8Fb engine. It was armed with two 7.7mm Vickers machine guns mounted in the bow.
Testing and Operational Challenges
Two prototypes of the aircraft were produced and tested on the Seine River in 1923. The results were extremely disappointing, as the CAMS 31 proved to be very unstable. In an attempt to somewhat improve his design, Conflenti converted one of the prototypes into a CAMS 31P mail plane, featuring a Hispano-Suiza 8Fd engine. However, this conversion failed to cure the fundamental “ailments” that plagued the CAMS 31.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CAMS 3 1M |
| Wingspan, m | 11.20 |
| Length, m | 8.80 |
| Height, m | 3.05 |
| Wing area, m2 | 33.00 |
| Empty weight | 1045 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1505 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Fb |
| Power, hp | 1 x 300 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 200 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 170 |
| Practical range, km | 400 |
| Service ceiling, m | 4000 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
Image gallery of the CAMS 31
