CONVAIR 240/340/440

Takeoff run 4,930. Landing roll 3,980. Flown for the first time on March 16, 1947, the CV-240 was Convair's first postwar commercial transport. Three basic versions were produced in subsequent years, each differing in the location and type of passenger and loading facilities with the addition of minor refinements. The aircraft was originally designed to carry 44 passengers plus crew. It employed two Pratt & Whitney 18-cylinder radial engines rated at 1,900 hp in low blower, 1,700 hp in high blower, and 2,100 hp available at takeoff with water injection. The CV-240 with an increased wingspan and longer fuselage for a larger payload became the Convair-Liner 340, flown for the first time in 1951. The CV-440 Metropolitan was merely a refinement of the CV-340 featuring modifications to increase speed, reduce the noise level in the cabin, and provide for up to 52 passengers. It was also available with twin Pratt & Whitneys that produced 2,500 hp at takeoff. The CV-580 was a conversion of the piston-engine CV-340 or CV-440 powered by Allison 501-D13 turboprops rated at 3,750 shp each. The conversion was developed by the Pacific Airmotive Corp. and received certification in 1960. Normal cruising speed was 348 mph, maximum range was 1,620 miles, and gross weight was increased to 53,200 pounds.