Canadair CP-107 Argus
Canadair · Canada · first flew 1957 · transport aircraft
The Canadair CP-107 Argus was a long-range maritime patrol aircraft developed for the Royal Canadian Air Force, combining the wing and undercarriage of the Bristol Britannia with a new unpressurised fuselage optimised for low-level anti-submarine work. It was one of the most capable maritime patrol aircraft of its era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Unpressurised fuselage optimised for low-altitude anti-submarine patrol |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four Wright Turbo-Compound piston engines on a long-range maritime patrol aircraft
- Unpressurised fuselage optimised for low-altitude anti-submarine patrol
- RCAF's primary maritime patrol aircraft for over 25 years
Four large radial engines on a very long-span low wing, a deep unpressurised fuselage with a distinctive chin radome, and no pressurisation windows distinguish it from the civil Britannia.
Specifications
- The Canadair CP-107 Argus has a length of 39.26 m (129 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 43.37 m (142 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 556 km/h (345 mph).
- Typical crew: 15.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1957 and entering RCAF service in 1958, the Argus was designed for ultra-long endurance patrol over the North Atlantic, capable of patrols exceeding 26 hours. It used four Wright R-3350 Turbo-Compound piston engines for their fuel efficiency at low altitude rather than turbines.
Variants
The Mk.1 carried British search radar; the Mk.2 switched to American AN/APS-20 radar in a different nose profile.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with RCAF Maritime Command (later Canadian Armed Forces) from 1958 to 1981 when it was replaced by the CP-140 Aurora; no foreign operators.
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