Canadair Argus
Overview
Overview
The Canadian-built Canadair Argus was a unique hybrid that married the wings, tail surfaces and undercarriage of the British-designed Britannia transport to a completely new Canadian-designed, non-pressurized fuselage that was equipped with different American-designed engines. One of the most effective anti-submarine warfare aircraft of its day, the Argus was a mainstay for the RCAF in the maritime role. The principal difference between the Mark I and Mark II was in the different internal navigation, communication and tactical electronic equipment. Externally, the Mk II exhibited a redesigned smaller nose radome and additional ECM (electronic counter measures) antennae above the fuselage. The Argus replaced the Lancaster and Neptune aircraft types previously flown in the maritime roles and, eventually, the Argus was itself replaced by the current CP-140 Aurora aircraft.
| Designation | CP-107 |
|---|---|
| Model number | CL-20 |
| Marks | Mk I, II |
| Role | Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) |
| Taken on strength | 1957 |
| Struck off strength | 1982 |
| Number | 33 |
| Service | RCAF and Canadian Armed Forces |
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.
Technical specifications
Technical specifications
| Manufacturer | Canadair license-built version of Bristol Britannia |
|---|---|
| Crew / passengers | 15: two pilots, flight engineer, navigator, radio operator, plus relief crew of four, plus six ASW equipment operators |
| Powerplant | Four 3,700 hp Wright R3370 TC981 engines |
| Maximum speed | 288 mph (463 km/h) |
| Cruising speed | 207 mph (333 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 24,200 ft (7,376 m) |
| Range | 5,089 mi (8,190 km) |
| Endurance | 26.5 hr |
| Empty weight | 81,000 lbs (36,744 kg) |
| Gross weight | 148,000 lbs (67,192 kg) |
| Span | 142 ft 3.5 in (43.38 m) |
| Length | 128 ft 3 in (39.09 m) |
| Height | 36 ft 8.5 in (11.2 m) |
| Wing area | 2,075 sq ft (192.77 m2) |
| Armament | 8,000 lbs of torpedoes, bombs, depth charges, mines, etc. |
| Cost | $5,513,000 |
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.
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