The Caudron C.445 was the only major French transport aircraft to see extensive service in World War II and in fact was the most widely produced aircraft of its type. It was designed by Marcel Riffard as a modern light passenger transport for civil use, combining superb performance and economical production thanks to large sections of the wings and fuselage being made of wood. Civil versions could carry up to six passengers while military versions performed a number of roles including military communucations, crew training, ambulance and casualty transports. A considerable number were built during the German occupation, flying for Lufthansa and the Luftwaffe which used it as a pilot, radio, and navigational trainer with some bomb-aiming trainers modified with glazed noses and other units used by both Vichy and Free French forces. Besides France and Germany, foreign users included Belgium, Bulgaria, Spain, and Yugoslavia with production continuing post-war for the Armée de l'Air.

The original C.440 Goéland (Seagull) prototype was first flown in 1934. It entered production as the C.441 and later as the C.444 with counter-rotating propellers to overcome torque effects. The first major production version built in quantity was the C.445 with a revised wing and its military development, the C.445M, which accounted for the grand majority of units manufactured up to the end of the war in addition the C.447 air ambulance with provisions for stretchers. Principal post-war versions included the C.445/3 with uprated engine and the C.449 which included both transports and photographic aircraft.