CC-109 Cosmopolitan

The Canadair CC‑109 Cosmopolitan was a four‑engine turboprop transport aircraft developed in the late 1950s for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Based on the civilian Canadair CL‑28, the airframe combined a pressurised fuselage with a high‑wing design and was powered by four Pratt & Whitney PT6A‑27 engines, delivering reliable performance at altitudes up to 30 000 feet. First entering service in 1960, the CC‑109 replaced aging propeller‑driven transports and fulfilled a variety of roles, including medium‑range cargo lift, troop movement, medical evacuation and VIP transport for government officials. The aircraft could carry up to 45 passengers or 12,500 lb of freight and boasted a range of roughly 2 500 nm, making it suitable for northern operations across Canada’s vast, remote territories. Its robust construction, simple maintenance requirements and ability to operate from unpaved strips earned it a reputation for versatility in harsh climates. Though only 12 airframes were built, the CC‑109 set a precedent for subsequent Canadian turboprop designs, influencing the development of the larger CC‑130 Hercules. The type remained in RCAF service until the early 1990s, illustrating the lasting impact of Canadair’s engineering on military transport aviation.

Canadair

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