Initial Design and Prototype
The prototype of the Caudron C.61 aircraft emerged in 1921. It was a three-strut biplane of wooden construction with fabric covering. The power plant consisted of three 150 hp Hispano-Suiza engines. Two pilots were seated in open cockpits, positioned side by side behind the nose engine.
Behind these cockpits was a cargo compartment, followed by a cabin for six passengers. The landing gear comprised two main twin-wheel struts, a tail skid, and an auxiliary nose support with a single wheel to prevent nosing over.
Production and Passenger Capacity
The 12 production C.61 aircraft featured Hispano-Suiza 8Ac engines and an enlarged passenger cabin for eight seats. Following the C.61, several other aircraft variants appeared.
C.61bis Modifications and Variants
In 1924, on most C.61 aircraft, the two wing-mounted Hispano-Suiza engines were replaced with 260 hp Salmson CM.9 radial engines. Subsequently, twin nose wheels were installed, and the loaded aircraft’s mass increased to 4834 kg. However, flight characteristics remained largely unchanged, except for a reduction in range to 380 km. These aircraft received the designation C.61bis.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | C.61 |
| Wingspan, m | 24.14 |
| Aircraft length, m | 14.00 |
| Aircraft height, m | 3.85 |
| Wing area, m2 | 104.00 |
| Empty weight | 2200 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 3480 |
| Engine type | 3 Piston engine Hispano-Suiza 8Ac |
| Power, hp | 3 x 180 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 160 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 132 |
| Practical range, km | 640 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 4000 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
| Payload | up to 8 passengers |
Image and diagram gallery of the Caudron C.61
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