The Caudron C.580: A Specialized Trainer
The C.580 was a trainer aircraft developed by the French firm Caudron, specifically designed for the preparation of fighter pilots. This cantilever low-wing monoplane featured wooden construction and a fixed two-strut landing gear system.
It was equipped with a four-cylinder, air-cooled Renault 4Pei engine, producing 155 hp. The cockpit was enclosed by a large streamlined canopy. Despite its modest engine power, the C.580 achieved a rather high speed; no armament was planned, though the installation of a photo machine gun was considered.
Design and Performance Highlights
The prototype’s first flight took place on December 22, 1934. Only two examples of the aircraft were manufactured. Work on the C.580 was subsequently discontinued in favor of the more promising Caudron C.720 model.
Development and Production Halt
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C.580 |
| Wingspan, m | 7.70 |
| Length, m | 7. 00 |
| Height, m | 2.52 |
| Wing area, m2 | 9.00 |
| Empty weight | 539 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 710 |
| Engine type | 1 Piston engine Renault 4Pei |
| Power, hp | 1 x 150 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 303 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 238 |
| Practical range, km | 800 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 6600 |
| Crew, crew | 1 |
Image gallery of the Caudron C.580
