Save the Guppy
Donation protected
We are raising money to complete the restoration of our beloved CL44 Guppy aircraft which has been undergoing restortion for a number of years but due to lack of funds has come to a near standstill.
The aircraft is currently sitting at Bournemouth airport requiring preparing it for its FAA ferry permit so that it can be transported to its next destination where we can finish working on it.
The aircraft was designed by John M. Conroy as a transport aircraft that could be used to ferry three Rolls-Royce RB.211 jet engines from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Palmdale, California, United States. The engines were to be installed on the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar airliner.[1]
The Skymonster was derived from a Canadair CL-44 freighter, itself a derivative of the Bristol Britannia. It features an enlarged fuselage, like the Mini Guppy which was produced by Jack Conroy's previous company, Aero Spacelines.
The conversion was performed outdoors, under covered scaffolding, at the Santa Barbara California airport.[2] The nose section was built using foam covered with fiberglass, while the larger fuselage was constructed using conventional aluminum structure.
The plane was originally going to be sent away to do AID work in Africa however we have had some major complications to deal with, such as large amounts of corrosion, update to the avionics, and a complete engine overhaul for all three of the engines. We have had a number of sabotage attempts on the aircraft (such as someone shooting out the windscreen in the last few months!!)
We are going to have an "open day" for all of those people who kindly contribute to our goal (dates will be announced closer to the time). This will give you the opportunity to see what your contribution is helping towards and a chance to meet the owners and even board the aircraft.
The current state of affairs with the aircraft is as follows.
1. The United Nations wants this aircraft for operations in Africa and are willing to lease it, if it can be certified airworthy.
2. There are 3 40 foot containers of spare parts, (including 3 serviceable spare engines) also located at Bournemouth.
3. The aircraft now has all 4 engines and props installed and they have been run up to T/O power. Currently, the airport will only allow idle runs. Google CL-44 Guppy and take a look. The progress is impressive from what I saw last year. A lot of work and money has gone into this. Some minor wing corrosion now, but panels will be welded for ferry flight.
4. All airworthiness directives are up to date and gear swings have been completed for the ferry flight to Malta, where Mediterranian Aircraft Co. will assist in certification. They are FAA approved.
Thank you all for taking the time to read about this amazing piece of history, we hope you can find it in you to help us complete the repair and eventually ensure that she can take to the skies once more!!
The aircraft is currently sitting at Bournemouth airport requiring preparing it for its FAA ferry permit so that it can be transported to its next destination where we can finish working on it.
The aircraft was designed by John M. Conroy as a transport aircraft that could be used to ferry three Rolls-Royce RB.211 jet engines from Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Palmdale, California, United States. The engines were to be installed on the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar airliner.[1]
The Skymonster was derived from a Canadair CL-44 freighter, itself a derivative of the Bristol Britannia. It features an enlarged fuselage, like the Mini Guppy which was produced by Jack Conroy's previous company, Aero Spacelines.
The conversion was performed outdoors, under covered scaffolding, at the Santa Barbara California airport.[2] The nose section was built using foam covered with fiberglass, while the larger fuselage was constructed using conventional aluminum structure.
The plane was originally going to be sent away to do AID work in Africa however we have had some major complications to deal with, such as large amounts of corrosion, update to the avionics, and a complete engine overhaul for all three of the engines. We have had a number of sabotage attempts on the aircraft (such as someone shooting out the windscreen in the last few months!!)
We are going to have an "open day" for all of those people who kindly contribute to our goal (dates will be announced closer to the time). This will give you the opportunity to see what your contribution is helping towards and a chance to meet the owners and even board the aircraft.
The current state of affairs with the aircraft is as follows.
1. The United Nations wants this aircraft for operations in Africa and are willing to lease it, if it can be certified airworthy.
2. There are 3 40 foot containers of spare parts, (including 3 serviceable spare engines) also located at Bournemouth.
3. The aircraft now has all 4 engines and props installed and they have been run up to T/O power. Currently, the airport will only allow idle runs. Google CL-44 Guppy and take a look. The progress is impressive from what I saw last year. A lot of work and money has gone into this. Some minor wing corrosion now, but panels will be welded for ferry flight.
4. All airworthiness directives are up to date and gear swings have been completed for the ferry flight to Malta, where Mediterranian Aircraft Co. will assist in certification. They are FAA approved.
Thank you all for taking the time to read about this amazing piece of history, we hope you can find it in you to help us complete the repair and eventually ensure that she can take to the skies once more!!
Organizer
Anthony Hutchinson
Organizer