The Convair CV-580 is a turboprop airliner that is a conversion of the piston-engined Convair 340 and 440 aircraft. It was developed by PacAero Engineering Corporation and first flew in 1960. The "CV-580" designation specifically refers to the conversion where the original piston engines were replaced with more powerful turboprop engines.
Here's a short description of the CV-580:
- Origin: It's not an aircraft originally built as a turboprop from scratch, but rather a retrofit of existing Convair 340/440 airframes.
- Engines: The most significant feature is the replacement of the original Pratt & Whitney R-2800 piston engines with two Allison 501-D13 turboprop engines. These are the same engines used on the Lockheed L-188 Electra, giving the CV-580 a similar distinctive turboprop sound.
- Performance: The turboprop engines dramatically improved the aircraft's performance, offering:
- Higher cruising speed: Significantly faster than its piston-engined predecessors.
- Improved climb rate: Could reach cruising altitude more quickly.
- Better altitude performance: Able to fly at higher altitudes, above more weather.
- Increased fuel efficiency: More economical to operate than the piston engines.
- Capacity: Typically seated between 44 and 52 passengers, similar to the original Convairliners.
- Role: The CV-580 was widely used by regional airlines, freight operators, and even some government agencies and corporations. Its robust construction and enhanced performance made it a very capable and durable aircraft for regional routes and cargo hauling.
The conversion program breathed new life into many Convair airframes, extending their operational careers by decades. While passenger service is very rare now, some CV-580s continue to fly in cargo roles or as specialized aircraft. It represents an interesting chapter in aviation history where turboprop technology revitalized an older design.
