The aircraft on exhibit, CF-WAE was built in 1955 for the RCAF and was purchased in 1967 by Wardair to carry freight around northern Canada, mainly to the DEW (Distant Early Warning) line of radar stations.
The cockpit is located above the cargo area, and is entered by means of a ladder on the right side of the cargo compartment. The crew usually consisted of pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer and load master. The large unobstructed cargo area, with front-opening clamshell doors, was designed to carry large, heavy loads. Numerous tie-down rings on the floor were used to secure the cargo.
The aircraft on exhibit was built in 1955 for the RCAF. It carried F86 Sabre Fighter Jets and Helicopters from bases in France and Germany to overhaul facilities in the U.K. It was purchased in 1967 by Wardair to carry freight around northern Canada, mainly to the DEW Line of Radar Stations. It was sold to Norcanair in Saskatchewan where it operated until 1983. Norcanair then flew it to Winnipeg and donated it to the Western Canada Aviation Museum.
Specifications
Wingspan: 32.92 m (108')
Length: 20.83 m (68' 4")
Height: 6.55 m (21' 6")
Engines: Two 1,980 hp Bristol Hercules
Max. Speed: 362 km/h (193 mph) at 3,048 m (10,000')
Max. Range: 1,320 km (820 miles) with 5,443 kg payload (12,000 lbs)
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Tales from the sky
The Bristol Freighter was always considered to be just a little on the ugly side.
In the latter part of the 50s, three Bristol Freighters were operated as cargo carriers by Trans-Canada Air Lines (now Air Canada). On one cargo flight to La Guardia, NY, the aircraft was approaching and the Tower Controller used the standard phrase, "Confirm wheels down and locked." The aircraft Captain replied, "Wheels down and welded!"
The Tower Controller then said to the Captain: "Where did you get that aircraft? Did you make it?"
