The Convair 240-series was a medium-size airliner designed in the late 40s, built specifically to replace the venerable DC-3 in short and medium routes. While it didn’t quite replace it (NOTHING replaces a DC-3!), it did a terrific job at hauling 40-50 passengers at a great speeds and pressurized comfort. The 240 spawned the extended 340 and 440 models, which all fulfilled their jobs at airlines until their replacement by turbroprops and regional jets. Convairs went on flying for small cargo operators and private charters, and unfortunately, not many remain airworthy. Notably, part of Lynard Skynard’s crew met their demise in one in 1977.
Convairs were powered by the venerable Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines, one of the most reliable ever built. Topping it off, Convairs were equipped with “augmentors”, which gave it a distinctive howl that set it apart from its contemporaries. And making it one of my favorite sounding aircraft!
The Convairs unmistakable haunting roar were part of my childhood while growing up in Fort Lauderdale, as they criss-crossed the sky enroute to the Bahamas from their Florida bases.
What do you think of the radial-powered Convairs?
Video Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qibjfxFS5k8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxku4J2geQQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3f6YWkdM4U
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJBrGQWmxS0
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkWxx9kq918