Canadair CL-66

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1 CL-66 Transport
2 Service
3 Operators
4 Specification
5 Related content

[edit] CL-66 Transport

In 1958 the RCAF wanted to replace their aging C-47 Dakotas with a turbo powered aircraft. Their choice was for the Vickers Viscount, but the Canadian Government decided against this aircraft. Instead, Canadair was to build a version of the Convair 440. It was to be re-engined with Napier Eland turbo-props. The project was given the number CL-66 and three versions were considered. The CL-66A was to be a 48/64 passenger aircraft. The CL-66B designed to be a cargo/passenger configuration with a payload of 14200 lb. The CL-66C instead of being built by Canadair used the Convair-built 440s, having only their new engines fitted at Canadair.

The first CL-66 to fly was a “C” version, & its first flight was in February 1959. The CL-66B had its first flight in January 1960. No “A” versions were built.

[edit] Service

Canadair was not able to get contracts from any major airline for the CL-66. It was too expensive & other similar types had better performance. The two aircraft, both of them CL-66Cs, that had been used for extensive sales demonstrations, were sold to the local carrier Quebecair. The RCAF took ten aircraft mainly Bs. The Eland did not meet the expected performance. Consequently, the RCAF re-engined them in 1966, installing Allison 501-D36 engines. The Eland then slipped into oblivion.