Convair CV-580

The Convair CV‑580 is a twin‑engine turboprop airliner derived from the earlier Convair CV‑340/440 series. Developed in the late 1950s, the conversion program replaced the original piston Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines with two Allison 501‑D13D turboprops, boosting power to 3,750 shaft horsepower and improving performance, range, and reliability. First flown in 1960, the CV‑580 entered service with both civilian airlines and military operators, including the United States Air Force, which used the model for transport, weather reconnaissance, and electronic surveillance missions. Its high‑wing design, spacious cabin, and robust landing gear made it popular for short‑to medium‑haul routes, especially in rugged or remote regions where runway conditions were demanding. The aircraft could carry up to 52 passengers or a substantial cargo load, and its turboprop engines offered better fuel efficiency than contemporary jets on shorter sectors. Over 400 CV‑580s were produced or converted, and many remain in service today as freighters, firefighting aircraft, and bush planes. The CV‑580’s successful adaptation of a classic airframe to turboprop power demonstrated the flexibility of the Convair design and cemented its legacy as a versatile workhorse in post‑war aviation. Its continued operation by regional carriers in South America and Africa underscores its lasting relevance, while several museum displays preserve its historical importance for future generations.

Convair

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification