Convair CV-240: The Aircraft That Redefined Passenger Flight

As a pioneer in the evolution of commercial air travel, the Convair CV-240 introduced air travel passengers to a new flight experience. Read about N51331 and grab a Convair CV-240 Golden Nugget PlaneTags when they become available January 11, 2024.

What is the Convair CV-240?

The Convair CV-240 is a significant aircraft in the history of aviation, marking a transitional era from the dominance of propeller-driven aircraft to the advent of jet airliners. Introduced in 1947 by Convair, a division of General Dynamics, the CV-240 was originally designed as a potential replacement for the Douglas DC-3, one of the most popular and widely used airliners of the time. What set the CV-240 apart was its modern design, which included various innovative features for its era.

The aircraft was a twin-engine, pressurized airliner with a capacity of around 40 passengers, which was quite an advancement in comfort and technology compared to the unpressurized DC-3. The pressurization allowed the CV-240 to fly at higher altitudes, avoiding bad weather and providing a smoother ride for passengers. Its two Pratt & Whitney radial engines were reliable and powerful, contributing to its performance and efficiency. The CV-240's design also featured a more streamlined shape and a tricycle landing gear, which was a notable departure from the tail-dragger design of the DC-3, leading to easier landings and takeoffs.

Over the years, the CV-240 series evolved with various modifications and improvements, leading to several variants like the CV-340 and CV-440. These aircraft served with numerous airlines worldwide and played a crucial role in the post-World War II expansion of commercial air travel. The CV-240 family of aircraft was also adapted for military use, further underscoring its versatility and reliability. Despite being overshadowed by the jet age in the late 1950s and 1960s, the Convair CV-240 and its variants left a lasting impact on the aviation industry, representing a bridge between the eras of propeller-driven and jet-powered commercial aircraft.

Development of the CV-240

The development of the Convair CV-240 began in the post-World War II era, specifically around 1945, as the aviation industry was undergoing a significant transformation. The demand for more advanced commercial airliners was on the rise, driven by an increase in air travel and the need for more comfortable and efficient aircraft. Convair, recognizing this opportunity, aimed to create an aircraft that would supersede the widely used but aging Douglas DC-3. The primary objective was to develop a more modern, comfortable, and efficient airliner.

Convair's approach with the CV-240 was to focus on advancements that would address the limitations of the DC-3. The key features of the new design included a pressurized cabin, which was a major leap forward in passenger comfort as it allowed the aircraft to fly at higher altitudes, reducing the effects of weather and turbulence. This pressurization was a significant technological advancement at the time. Additionally, the CV-240 was designed with a more aerodynamic shape and incorporated a tricycle landing gear system, which offered better ground handling and stability compared to the tailwheel design of the DC-3.

Its maiden flight took place in 1947, and it quickly garnered interest from various airlines. The success of the CV-240 led to the development of improved variants, such as the CV-340 and CV-440, which offered greater capacity and range. The CV-240 series represented a significant step forward in the evolution of commercial air travel, bridging the gap between the era of propeller-driven aircraft and the emerging age of jet airliners. Its development was not only a testament to Convair's innovative spirit but also a reflection of the rapid advancements occurring in aviation technology during the mid-20th century.

How did the Convair CV-240 redefine passenger flight?

The Convair CV-240 significantly redefined passenger flight by introducing key innovations that set new standards for comfort, efficiency, and design in commercial aviation. Its pressurized cabin allowed for higher altitude flights, reducing the impact of weather and turbulence and enhancing passenger comfort—a breakthrough in air travel experience. Additionally, the CV-240's modern design, including its more streamlined shape and tricycle landing gear, contributed to improved performance and safety, paving the way for the development of more advanced airliners in the ensuing jet age. These features marked a significant leap from the earlier era of propeller-driven aircraft, solidifying the CV-240's role as a transformative player in the evolution of passenger flight.

What was Alaska Airlines’ “Golden Nugget Service”?

Alaska Airlines' "Golden Nugget Service" was a notable and distinctive part of the airline's history, symbolizing its commitment to exceptional service and innovation. This service was introduced during the 1950s and 1960s, a period when air travel was transitioning into a more luxurious and accessible mode of transportation for the general public. The "Golden Nugget Service" was Alaska Airlines' way of differentiating itself in a competitive market, particularly on its routes along the West Coast and to Alaska.

The service was characterized by its unique branding and luxurious offerings. Passengers were treated to an experience that harked back to the romanticized era of air travel, complete with elegant meals served on fine china, complimentary champagne, and attentive cabin service. The interiors of the aircraft used in the Golden Nugget Service were often lavishly decorated, featuring plush seating and sophisticated decor, which added to the exclusive atmosphere. This level of service was part of Alaska Airlines' broader strategy to establish a strong identity and reputation for quality, helping it to stand out among other carriers and build a loyal customer base. The Golden Nugget Service is remembered as a symbol of Alaska Airlines' dedication to customer service and luxury, and it played a significant role in shaping the airline's image and success in its early years.

Convair CV-240 At A Glance

Convair CV-240 Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Convair
• Type: CV-240
• Tail #: N51331
• Crew: 3 (2 Pilots, 1 Flight Attendant)
• Passengers: 40
• Wing Span: 91 Ft 9 In
• Length: 74 Ft 8 In
• Height: 26 Ft 11 In

 Convair CV-240 Performance:

• Range: 1,042 Nm
• Cruise Speed: 243 Kts
• Ceiling: 16,000 Ft
• Empty Weight: 25,445 Lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 42,500 Lb
• Rate Of Climb: 1,520 Ft/Min
• Engine: 2x Pratt & Whitney R2800-Ca3 Double Wasp Radials

N51331

Originally constructed in 1948 as a CV-240-0, the first assignment was with American Airlines, where our plane was registered as NC94238 and nicknamed "Flagship Little Rock". It then went through a series of ownership changes, including Dundel Corporation, Continental Airlines, Beldex Corporation, Nomura (America) Corporation, and Air Ferry International.

Photo courtesy of Midway Airport Historians, used with permission. 

In June 1962, the aircraft was registered to TOA Airways with the call sign JA5110, before being transferred to Miami Aviation Corporation in April 1965 and receiving its registration N51331. In June of the same year, it became part of Cordova Airlines' fleet. Perhaps the most significant chapter in its history began on February 1, 1968, when it was acquired by Alaska Airlines, where it notably featured in their "Golden Nugget Service".

Photo courtesy of the Bob Garrard Collection, used with permission

The aircraft's stint with Alaska Airlines, however, ended in September 1968 when it was withdrawn from use. Although N51331 passed through several more hands in the next few years - Pacific Nevada Airlines, Byco Air Services, Pacific Airlines- Its journey ended in February 1976 when it was permanently withdrawn from use and stored in Long Beach, California, until it was eventually scrapped. 

MotoArt Finds A Golden Nugget

MotoArt PlaneTags owner Dave Hall recalls his search for this iconic aircraft. "The hunt for the Golden Nugget was a multi-month endeavor involving a lot of research, multiple trips to the scorching El Mirage desert, and, in the end, a little bit of luck. It started with our Facebook group moderators Rob and Nick, who kept insisting there was an Alaska Airlines classic that was buried amongst hundreds of derelicts in the El Mirage desert."

"On the final trip out, and only a few minutes before the yard closed, the Golden Nugget was finally found! The historic Convair 240 had been used as a movie prop at one point and was concealed with fake space shuttle tiles, then neatly wedged between a shipping container and other fuselages. We had walked by it at least a dozen times and had yet to notice it. After removing one of the tiles, the colorful “Golden Nugget Service” logo surfaced, and we were elated that we had finally found the hidden treasure in the desert."

Convair CV-240 PlaneTags

Convair CV-240 PlaneTags, made from NC94238, will be released on Thursday, January 11, 2024 on planetags.com. Sign up for our newsletter so you'll know when and what the next PlaneTags release will be. Follow us on social media to see more about Convair CV-240 PlaneTags and other releases.

Convair PlaneTags

Convair's legacy in aviation history is marked by its pioneering spirit and innovative contributions, particularly through aircraft like the CV-240 series which played a pivotal role in transitioning commercial aviation from propeller-driven to jet-powered airliners. The company's focus on advanced design, comfort, and efficiency in the post-World War II era set new standards in air travel, influencing the development of modern airliners and shaping the future of commercial aviation. Convair's aircraft, celebrated for their reliability and versatility, left an indelible mark on the industry, showcasing the potential of American aviation engineering and design.

Here are our Convair PlaneTags (so far)

• Convair CV-580 
• Convair CV-990
• Convair B-36