RS Models 1/72 Caudron C-446 Super Goeland # 92299
The Caudron C-446 Super Goéland was a French twin-engine transport aircraft developed in the 1930s by the Caudron-Renault company.
It was an upgraded version of the earlier Caudron C.440 Goéland, designed for passenger and military transport.
The C-446 Super Goéland is best known for its versatility, used in both civilian aviation and military roles during World War II.
Key features of the Caudron C-446 Super Goéland:
- Twin-engine design, providing improved performance and reliability over its predecessors. The engines were often Renault 6Q engines, delivering more power and range.
- High-wing monoplane configuration, which gave it good stability and handling, particularly suited for short-range transport missions.
- A metal and wooden structure that combined strength and lightweight design, making it relatively easy to produce and maintain.
- Capacity for 6 to 10 passengers or cargo, depending on its configuration, with a spacious interior for either passengers or goods.
Civilian Role:
The C-446 Super Goéland was originally designed for civilian airlines, used by several European airlines for regional transport in the 1930s.
It was appreciated for its comfortable cabin, decent range, and ease of operation on small airfields.
Military Role:
During World War II, the aircraft was adapted for military purposes by both the French Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, after the occupation of France. It was employed for:
- Personnel transport, moving troops or high-ranking officers between airfields.
- Medical evacuations, acting as a lightweight ambulance aircraft.
- Training purposes, preparing new pilots and crew for multi-engine aircraft operation.
Despite its relatively modest size, the Caudron C-446 Super Goéland was a dependable and widely used aircraft in the years leading up to and during the war.
After the war, a few continued in civilian service, though they were gradually phased out by more modern designs.
This aircraft is remembered as an important part of early French aviation history, contributing to both commercial and military aviation developments in Europe.