Canadair CL-44
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The CL-44 was a Canadair aircraft, based on the Bristol Britannia.
Three different versions of the CL-44 were built:
- Initially, the CL-44-6 was produced for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and designated as CC-106 Yukon. This was basically a Bristol Britannia with the fuselage lengthened by 12 ft 4 in (3.75 m) and using the wings designed for the Canadair Argus. It was used for the transport of military personnel. The first flight was on 15 November 1959.
- The second version was the CL-44D4 which was intended as a civil cargo aircraft. In order to cater for large items and fast loading, the entire tail section was hinged, and could be opened using hydraulic actuators. Cargo, close in size to the full internal diameter of the fuselage, could then be loaded. An inflatable seal at the hinge-break enabled cabin pressure to be maintained, and eight hydraulic-operated locks assured structural integrity. The tail could be opened from controls within the tail in 90 seconds. The flying controls at the joint were maintained by a system of push pads. The CL-44D4 was the first large aircraft to be able to 'swing' its tail, although some small naval aircraft had this feature to ease storage. These, however, required rigging before flight. There were only four original customers who bought and operated the CL-44D4: Seaboard World Airlines, The Flying Tiger Line, Slick Airways, Icelandic Airlines Loftleiðir
- The third version was the CL-44J, which were four existing CL-44D4 aircraft, stretched by Canadair on request of Loftleidir Icelandic Airlines, with a section, 10 ft 1 in (3.07 m) forward of the wing, and another section of 5 ft 1 in (1.55 m) aft of the wing. This enabled the installation of 29 extra seats, bringing the capacity to 189 passengers. The maximum take-off weight stayed the same since the extra weight was compansated by removing the center wing tanks. Therefore it can be said that the stretch was a trade of capacity for range. Loftleiðir was the only operator of the CL-44J, which was the largest passenger aircraft flying over the Atlantic ocean at that time. Loftleidir Icelandic Airlines merged with Flugfelag Islands in 1973 and became today's Icelandair.
Specifications CL-44D-4
Reference
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