Burnelli
CBY-3 Loadmaster
The Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster was an unusual and capable prototype
transport aircraft. It was based on a earlier design, the Burnelli
UB-14. Both aircraft were designed by the American aircraft engineer
Vincent Burnelli, a keen proponent of the 'lifting body' aircraft
design principle.
The Burnelli CBY-3 was built in Canada in 1944 by Canadian Car and
Foundry. The name of the aircraft was derived from the three principal
entities behind the construction. The 'C' stood for Canada Car and
Foundry, the 'B' represented Burnelli, while the 'Y' stood for Yerex,
the surname of a New Zealander, Lowell Yerex, who was the founder
of Central American Air Transport and who joined the project after
being convinced by Burnelli the aircraft would be a success and capable
of carrying both cargo and passengers.
The Burnelli CBY-3 was originally registered as CF-BEL-X while in
development. The aircraft featured an aerofoil-section fuselage, a
cockpit which was blended into the center of the wing, and a twin-boom
tail layout.
Amazingly for a prototype aircraft, the Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster
had a trouble-free testing program. Industry observers and the aviation
press spoke favorably of the aircraft and there appeared to be no
negative issues with the aircraft.
Except for one... Nobody placed any orders.
Burnelli later adapted the aircraft for a daring expedition to the
North Pole, modifying the aircraft to carry 20 passengers, 41 sled
dogs, and all the necessary equipment. The project was canceled at
the last minute.
The sole Burnelli CBY-3 continued to fly for many years in both Canada
and South America as a regular commercial airliner. It was eventually
retired in 1964, with its final flight taking it to the New England
Air Museum in Connecticut where it resides to this day.
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