In 1927, the Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marina) began the construction of the “Di Giussano” class light cruisers. Specifically for these vessels, the Italian Ministry of Aeronautics published a specification for a catapult-launched fighter-reconnaissance aircraft. Cantieri Navali Triestini (CNT) developed the CNT 25 fighter prototype, based on their CNT 18 training flying boat, to meet this specification.
The competition also included the Fiat CR.20 and Macchi M.41. Although the initial prototype did not advance beyond trials, the program was revisited in early 1930. The following year, the Navy decided to procure a small series of CANT 25M flying boats.
Development and Technical Specifications
The CANT 25M was a single-seat, single-strut biplane with detachable wings, powered by a 410 hp (302 kW) Fiat A.20 twelve-cylinder V-engine. Its armament consisted of two front-mounted, synchronized 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns.
Soon after, a second series was ordered under the CANT 25AR modification, which stood for “Ali Ripiegabili” (folding wings). As the name suggests, this new version featured folding wings to facilitate its storage in the cruisers’ hangars. It also had a strengthened tail section and a more powerful Fiat A.20 engine, delivering 440 hp. In total, the Navy acquired 20 such aircraft.
Operational History and Legacy
The CANT 25 was rarely used for its primary intended combat role. During the Abyssinian War, they primarily flew reconnaissance missions. They were also extensively employed for testing catapults on various warships, including the new Zara-class heavy cruisers.
After being replaced by the more advanced IMAM Ro.43 and withdrawn from frontline service, the flying boats were transferred to the Vigna di Valle base. There, they served with the 88 Gruppo Autonomo Caccia (88th Autonomous Fighter Group) and in flight schools, where they were used as training aircraft until 1940.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CANT 25AR |
| Wingspan, m | 11.20 |
| Length, m | 8.60 |
| Height, m | 3.00 |
| Wing area, m2 | 27.50 |
| Empty weight | 1000 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1400 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Fiat A.20 |
| Power, hp | 1 x 440 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 265 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 235 |
| Practical range, km | 900 |
| Service ceiling, m | 5500 |
| Crew, crew members | 1 |
| Armament | two 7.7-mm Vickers machine guns |
Image gallery of the CANT 25
