A96 Convair CV-440 Metropolitan
Two Convair Metropolitan aircraft were delivered to the RAAF in April and November 1957 respectively and allocated the serials A96-313 and A96-353. They were operated initially by the VIP flight of No 86 Transport Wing, which later became No 34 (Special Transport) Squadron and moved to RAAF Base Fairbairn, Canberra. While in RAAF service the aircraft were fitted out to spaciously seat 15 to 20 passengers, and flew Prime Ministers, Governors-General and Royalty to all parts of Australia, before being sold in 1968.
TECHNICAL DATA: Convair CV-440 Metropolitan
DESCRIPTION:
Medium-range VIP transport
POWER PLANT:
Two 2500 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB17 engines
WEIGHT:
Empty 15 059 kg (33 200 lb); Loaded 22 272 kg (49 100 lb).
DIMENSIONS:
Wingspan 32.10 m (105 ft 4 in); Length 24.13 m (79 ft 2 in); Height 8.58 m (28 ft 2 in).
PERFORMANCE:
Max speed 483 km/h (261 kt); Cruise 465 km/h (251 kt); Range 2880 km (1555 nm).
