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| No. Of Engines: |
2 |
| Aircraft Type: |
Turbo Prop |
| Passenger Capacity (Max): |
56 |
| Range (in Miles): |
1,100 |
| Cruising Speed (MPH): |
350 |
| Payload Capacity (in Lbs): |
11,200 |
| Wingspan: |
105 |
| Length: |
79 |
| Takeoff Weight (in Lbs): |
54,600 |
| Cabin Type: |
pressurized |
Convair,
which is a contraction of Consoldated-Vultee Aircraft, was
located in San Diego (the home of the Classic Airliner Page),
and produced the B-24 Liberator and the B-36 Peacemaker,
among other famous planes. The Convair-Liner project started
with the CV-110 prototype, but American convinced Convair
to alter it into the CV-240. Convair wanted American's order
for 50 aircraft, and took a large loss on the order which
CR Smith eventually allowed to be reduced to allow Convair
to sell the planes at a profit. Other US operators included
Western, Pan Am, Continental, and Northeast. After the aborted
negotiations with TWA and Eastern for a "Super 240" (see
the Martin 404 page), Convair realized that airlines were
not going to accept their current offering, and in response
to a United inquiry, developed a plane very similar to the
cancelled Super 240, and called it the CV-340. United took
55, and more US orders came from Braniff, Continental, Delta,
Northeast, and National. The CV-340 earned an enviable reputation
for reliability and profitability, and was also popular
in South America. The final piston-powered development of
the Convair-Liner was the CV-440 Metropolitan, which was
5 mph faster and quieter than the CV-340. Although a fine
aircraft, most sales were made overseas, and especially
in Europe. In the US, Continental, National, Braniff, Delta,
and Eastern all had small fleets.
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