iscover
The RAAF had a long and happy association with the 440, having operated two of the types in VIP configuration from 1956 through to 1969. The top photo depicts A96-353 which at the time of sale had logged a mere 6954 hours while A96-313
In Australian Service
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The Convair 240/340/440 Series
Part Three in a Series Examining the Airliners That Established Civil Aviation in Australia
The Convair twin-engined series of airliners grew out of post-World War II requirements for a DC-3 replacement. The design work was initiated in 1945 by the then Consolidated-Vultee Aircraft Corporation, later to be known as the Convair division of the General Dynamics Corporation, in San Diego, California.
A specification was issued by American Airlines for an airliner with a 1000-mile range. The first aircraft to fly was designated the model 110. Wingspan was 91′, length 71′ 7″ and height 25′ 2½”. The first flight of the 11O prototype registered NX90653 was on July 8, 1946.
As a larger aircraft was deemed necessary for airline service the design was refined to produce the model 240. This differed in many respects from the sole 11O produced. Fuselage length was increased to 74′ 8″, passenger accommodation grew from 30 to 40 seats and gross weight went from 35,970 to 41,790 lb. The original powerplant, the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 developing 2100 hp was replaced by the P & W R-2800-CA18 developing 2400 hp. To improve performance further, the fuselage diameter was reduced by 4 inches to reduce drag.
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