Developed by Cantieri Riuniti dell'Adriatico from a design by Ing. Zappata the 501 featured a wooden construction, a central hull and an extensively braced parasol-wing. Originaly conceived as a reconnaissance-bomber flyng boat. the CANT. Z. 501 flew in 1934. The same year and over again in 1935, established the world distance record with Mario Stoppani at the controls. Produced in quantity, also by subsidiaries, it was largely employed in the Spanish War and in World War ll; after the armistice it operated with Allied Co-belligerent Air Force. It did a significant job on escort missions, but it is best remembered for its rescue operations.