Conroy Skymonster
| Skymonster | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Role | Large outsize-cargo transport aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Conroy Aircraft |
| First flight | 1969 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users |
Heavylift Cargo Transmeridian Air Cargo |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | Canadair CL-44 |
| Career | |
| Serial | N447T, EI-BND, 4K-GUP, 9G-LCA, RP-C8023, N447FT |
| In service | 1970-1999, 2013- |
The Conroy Skymonster (CL-44-0) is a 1960s United States specialized cargo aircraft based on the Canadair CL-44 freighter, with an outsize fuselage.
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.
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. The nose section was built using foam covered with fiberglass, while the larger fuselage was constructed using conventional aluminum structure.
The Skymonster first flew on 26 November 1969, under the US registration "N447T". The CL-44 from which it had been converted also bore this same registration, and was previously operated by the Flying Tiger Line.
Only one prototype was built. Another one was ordered, but the CL-44 on which it was to be based crashed before delivery.
In 1970, the prototype was leased by Transmeridian Air Cargo, who gave it the name "Skymonster". Despite its being renamed "Bahamas Trader" later on, the name Skymonster stuck, and it is now commonly known as this.
In 1978, it was bought by British Cargo Airlines.
In 1982, it went to Heavylift Cargo Airlines, who re-registered it with the Irish registration EI-BND.
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