Canadair CL-44

The Canadair CL-44 is a long-range turboprop transport aircraft developed by Canadair in Canada during the late 1950s, based on the Bristol Britannia airframe. It was designed primarily as a military and commercial freighter, featuring a distinctive swing-tail rear fuselage that allowed straight-in loading of large cargo items without the need for ramps or lifts. The aircraft entered service in the early 1960s and was operated by several airlines and air forces. Its swing-tail design was innovative for the era and made it particularly attractive for cargo operations. A passenger variant, the CL-44D4, was also produced with seating for up to 189 passengers. Production was limited, with only 39 aircraft built in total. The type saw extensive use in cargo and charter operations throughout the 1960s and 1970s before gradually being retired from commercial service. A stretched variant, the CL-44J, was developed by converting existing airframes for higher-capacity passenger use.