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.
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
