One For The Canadians

[NARSES2]

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[nev]

What's with the dual markings?    

[elmayerle]

Probably dual markings because it was a joint program by both countries.  I can see where that air cushion landing gear could be useful to both countries.

[Jennings]

What's with the dual markings?  

It's because Canada might as well be part of America, right?  I mean, they speak sort of the same language, they use dollars, and they have Wal-Mart and NASCAR, so why not?

J

[elmayerle]

But they are smart enough not to pay taxes to Washington, D.C..  

[jcf]

Bell was awarded the contract for development of the Air Cushion Landing System (ACLS) installation by the USAF in November 1970.  The airframe was loaned by the Canadian Department of National Defence. United Aircraft of Canada Ltd was responsible for development and flight certification of the auxiliary power system, de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd modified the aircraft to take the ACLS installation. The aircraft was delivered to the USAF in November of 1973, taxi tests and first take-off were completed in March 1975. The first ACLS landing took place on April 11th, 1975 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The auxiliary power system that inflated the landing skirt and created the air cushion used a two-stage fan driven by two ST6F-70 gas-turbine engines. During flight the trunk was deflated and retracted against the fuselage. Six inflatable braking-skid 'pillows' were incorporated into the bottom of the trunk. Fibreglass spring skids were mounted beneath the floats.

Info from 'Janes Surface Skimmers:Hovercraft and Hydrofoils 1975-1976'.

Cheers, jon

[cc115]

The aircraft pictured on the box, 115451, was de-modified and today is still flying with 442 Transport and Rescue Sqn at 19 Wing, Comox, British Columbia.

In fact, I have many hours flying on that airframe. And soon to have more after a 4 year stint on the CC-130 Hercules.

I love the mighty CC-115 Buffalo!!!

[Captain Canada]

they have Wal-Mart and NASCAR

You're close, J, but a little off. We have a Quebec based company know as Mart de la Wal, and in Canada our stock cars only turn right.

Nice find, Chris. I guess we'd better find out if viper29.ca is getting some in !

And yes...long live the mighty Buffalo !

[ysi_maniac]

What is that thing inboard left wing?

[jcf]

What is that thing inboard left wing?

One of the two ST6F-70 turbines of the auxiliary power system for the cushion, its twin is on the other side of the airframe.

Cheers, Jon

[ysi_maniac]

What is that thing inboard left wing?

One of the two ST6F-70 turbines of the auxiliary power system for the cushion, its twin is on the other side of the airframe.

Cheers, Jon

Thanks!  

[Mechworker]

That's awesome, and would look great in the yellow/black/red SAR markings carried by our (sometimes airworhty) Cormorants and Griffons.

Either that or arctic/antarctic use.

[lancer]

Heres an idea for a build..

Take one Buffalo, add dozens of arrows sticking out of the sides and model it somewhere on the plains or prairies and call it the victim of a hunt by confused Indians....      

No going into deep hiding to deflect the ire of a dozen boozed up Canadians.      

[elmayerle]

Heres an idea for a build..

Take one Buffalo, add dozens of arrows sticking out of the sides and model it somewhere on the plains or prairies and call it the victim of a hunt by confused Indians....      

No going into deep hiding to deflect the ire of a dozen boozed up Canadians.    

Would the pilot be wearing an Arrow shirt?

Sorry, couldn't help myself (for those unfamilar with US clothing companies, Arrow is a maker of dress shirts).

[Mechworker]

Just a note:

There should not be an apostrophe in "Canadians", because it is a plural. Not a possessive or a contraction.

Sorry, but while some people nitpic on rivets, I nitpick on apostrophes. Apostrophe misuse really drives me nuts.

Call me a JAN, I guess. (Joyless Apostrophe Nazi)

Grammar Heil!