Caudron C.81 • wp.archivoaereo.com

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Development and Initial Configuration

The Caudron C.81, which made its first flight in 1923, was the next version following the Caudron C.61. This aircraft was equipped with three Lorraine-Dietrich engines: the central engine had a power output of 270 hp, while the two wing-mounted engines each developed 370 hp. This design represented an improvement in both capability and performance over its predecessors.

Specifications and Engine Variations

Subsequently, a small batch of aircraft featured a different engine configuration. The central engine was a Lorraine-Dietrich 12Db with 400 hp, complemented by two Salmson CM.9 engines of 260 hp each, mounted on the wings. These aircraft, with a wingspan of 26.3 m and a wing area of 145 square meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 6370 kg, were larger than the C.61 series, though they still carried only seven passengers.

Distinguishing Features and Limited Production

The C.81 differed from the C.61 in many other respects. For instance, the pilots were accommodated in open cockpits located below the center section of the upper wing, and the configuration of the vertical empennage was modified. In total, only four Caudron C.81 aircraft were built, solidifying its status as an important experimental development in French aviation of the era.

Technical Specifications

Modification	C.81
Wingspan, m	26.30
Aircraft length, m	16.00
Aircraft height, m	4.85
Wing area, m2	145.00
Empty weight	4271
Maximum takeoff weight	6360
Engine type	1 Piston engine Lorraine-Dietrich + 2 Piston engines Salmson CM.9
Power, hp	1 x 400 + 2 x 260
Maximum speed, km/h	145
Cruising speed, km/h	125
Practical range, km	450
Practical ceiling, m	3700
Crew, crew members	2
Payload	up to 7 passengers