By Mastermodels Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A wonderful and rare painted cut-away model of a Canadair CL-44D4-1 in BOAC livery, mounted on original stand.
Made for BOAC by Mastermodels Ltd of Feltham and presented, in about 1963, to a director of C.Claridge shipping agents who once commissioned the entire aircraft to transport a live whale (in a tank of water) from Miami to Manchester.
The extraordinary aspect of the CL-44D4 was that the entire tail section hinged.
It could be swung open using hydraulic actuators to load large items quickly, an inflatable seal at the hinge-break enabling cabin pressure to be maintained and eight hydraulic-operated locks assuring structural integrity whilst in flight.
The tail could be opened from controls within the tail in 90 seconds and flight controls at the joint were maintained by a system of push pads.
The CL-44D4 was the first large aircraft to be able to "swing" its tail and although innovative, only a small number were ever produced. As well as a live whale, the aircraft was used to transport fifteen Formula 1 cars to the 1963 American and Mexican Grands Prix...
Category
1960s British Vintage Organic Material Aviation Objects
MaterialsResin, Fiberglass