The Canadair CL-44 was a turboprop-powered cargo aircraft developed in the 1950s as a successor to the Canadair CL-28, designed to provide efficient airlift capabilities for both military and commercial purposes. Based on the earlier CL-28 design, the CL-44 featured a larger fuselage and more powerful engines, allowing it to carry heavier payloads over longer distances. It was primarily used for freight transport but also found applications in the military for cargo and troop transport.

Though only a limited number of CL-44 aircraft were produced, it played a crucial role during its time in supporting military logistics and commercial air transport. The aircraft was primarily known for its large cargo hold and its ability to carry oversized cargo, a capability that made it valuable for specialized cargo operations. The CL-44 was phased out by the 1970s as newer aircraft with better performance and capabilities became available.

Key Specifications (CL-44)

• Crew: 3 (Pilot, Co-pilot, and Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Up to 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) of cargo.
• Length: 34.02 m (111 ft 7 in).
• Wingspan: 33.53 m (110 ft 0 in).
• Height: 10.16 m (33 ft 4 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 61,235 kg (135,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Rolls-Royce Dart RDa.7 turboprop engines.
• Cruise Speed: ~440 km/h (273 mph).
• Range: ~2,700 km (1,678 miles).
• Ceiling: 7,620 m (25,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Large Cargo Capacity: The CL-44 was designed with a wide, boxy fuselage that allowed it to carry large and heavy cargo, making it well-suited for freight operations and military logistics.
• Turboprop Power: Powered by four Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines, the CL-44 was able to carry heavy loads efficiently over medium to long distances.
• Rear Loading Ramp: The aircraft featured a rear-loading ramp for quick and efficient loading and unloading of cargo, an important feature for military and commercial airlift operations.
• Versatile Cargo Configurations: The aircraft’s large internal cargo space and versatile design made it ideal for transporting oversized items, such as military equipment, vehicles, and heavy industrial goods.
• Military Usage: The CL-44 served in various military roles, particularly for transporting heavy equipment and personnel. Its cargo hold was capable of accommodating military vehicles and other large items.

Operators & Usage

• Military Operators: The CL-44 was used by military forces, particularly during the 1960s and early 1970s, for transport duties, including carrying oversized cargo and troop movements.
• Commercial Cargo Airlines: A number of civilian cargo operators used the CL-44 for transporting freight, including large industrial goods, machinery, and heavy equipment. It was especially valued for its ability to handle oversized loads.
• Retirement: By the 1970s, the CL-44 was largely replaced by more modern cargo aircraft, and most units were retired from commercial service. However, some were still used for niche roles or were converted for other purposes, such as firefighting or transport in remote areas.