Caudron C.61

The Caudron C.61 was a French three-engined civil transport biplane aircraft built by the French aeroplane manufacturer Caudron. It was constructed of wood and covered in fabric.

Development
The prototype C.61 (F-ESAE) had a freight hold and cabin for six passengers. The conventional landing gear also included a wheel beneath the nose to prevent nose-overs on landing. For the production C.61s the cabin size was increased to accommodate eight passengers.

Operational history
In 1923, six C.61s were bought by Compagnie Franco-Roumaine de Navigation Aérienne to run between Bucharest and Belgrade.

Variants

 * C.61: Initial production variant.
 * C.61bis: In 1924 many C.61s were modified to take 194 kW Salmson CM.9 radial engines outboard, increasing the maximum loaded weight to 4834 kg.
 * C.81:1923 trimotor airliner
 * C.83:1924 Unbuilt trimotor project
 * C.183:1923 trimotor airliner

Operators

 * Compagnie Franco-Roumaine de Navigation Aérienne/Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne

Accidents

 * after 1923 (date unknown) - C.61 was lost when it came down at sea
 * July 3, 1926 - C.61 operated by Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne crashes in Czechoslovakia