Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Convair CV-240

On March 16, 1947, the Convair CV-240 took flight for the first time, introducing modern advancements to commercial aviation. Designed as a replacement for the Douglas DC-3, the CV-240 was the first twin-engine airliner with a pressurized cabin, offering passengers greater comfort on short to mid-range routes.

Austin Hancock
Austin Hancock
Convair CV-240 in Western Air Lines livery, at the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California
Alan Armstrong 729

VAN Today in Aviation History Banner

On March 16, 1947, the Convair CV-240 took to the skies for the first time, marking a significant advancement in commercial aviation. Designed to replace the aging Douglas DC-3, the CV-240 introduced a pressurized cabin and a more modern design, meeting the evolving needs of the airline industry. American Airlines played a crucial role in shaping the aircraft’s development, initially seeking an improved alternative to the DC-3. Convair responded with the Model 110, which eventually evolved into the Model 240 when American Airlines requested pressurization, necessitating a complete airframe redesign.

1211px Convair 240 HB IRV Swiss Air Lines Ringway 25.03.50
A 1949-built Convair 240 of Swissair at Manchester, England, in March 1950

The Convair CV-240 featured a wingspan of 91 feet, 9 inches, a length of 74 feet, 8 inches, and a height of 26 feet, 11 inches. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CA3 Double Wasp radial engines, each producing 2,400 horsepower. With a cruising speed of 280 miles per hour and a maximum never-exceed speed (Vne) of 315 miles per hour, the aircraft was well-suited for short to mid-range routes. It could accommodate up to 40 passengers comfortably and had a range of approximately 1,200 miles, making it a practical choice for airlines operating regional services.

Convair 580 N5818 Aspen Aws DEN Stapleton 20.07.86 edited 3
Two Convair 580s of the Aspen, Colorado-based Aspen Airways at Stapleton International Airport in Denver, US in 1986. Image via Wikipedia

Over time, the CV-240 underwent several upgrades, leading to the development of the CV-340 and CV-440 models, both of which gained popularity for their excellent flight characteristics. Convair airliners were operated by major carriers such as American Airlines, Pan Am, Delta, and United. Beyond commercial service, the aircraft also found roles in military and governmental operations, serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Italian Air Force as a transport and cargo platform.

Convair CV 240 Italian Air Force
An Italian Air Force’s Convair

Today, while the CV-240 and its variants have been retired from active airline service, many examples remain preserved in aviation museums or parked on airport aprons worldwide. These enduring aircraft stand as a testament to Convair’s engineering and the vital role they played in shaping post-war commercial aviation.

Convair 340 440 540 580 640 C 131 N345GS
Convair 340/440/540/580/640 (C-131) N345GS operated by cargo company Conquest Air parked at Opa-Locka airport in 2024.
 
Platinum B 729
Share This Article
Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
1 Comment
  • What you skipped is the Turboprop version of the CV-240, the Convair 600. I flew them for Central/Frontier. It had the RR eng.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *