Convair 880/990 Coronado - too fast airliner

Convair 880 and 990 are the four-engine jet airliners, developed by Convair in the late 1950s. While competing with the Boeing 707 and the Douglas DC-8, these aircraft exceeded in speed. Reaching the marks of 620 mph or 1000 km/h, these planes are still among the fastest commercial aircraft in the world, giving way only to the supersonic planes.

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[mikenodine]

I can remember a young Delta copilot telling a passenger back in the 1990's that the MD-80 we were on was the fastest airliner ever built. I had to butt in and correct him, stating the 880's Delta had flown in the 1960's and into the early 70's were not only faster, but still held speed records across the US that will probably never be broken. He tried explaining that the MD-80's wing was thin and that's what made it so fast. I guessed he was just too young and didn't know the history of Delta and it's 880's back in the glory days. And that's why great videos like this one are so important to not forgetting our history!

[Peasmouldia]

Those of us with English as our first language can be quite critical of non native speakers. Ironic when you consider that so few of us bother to learn a second language. Your use of English is impeccable and it's clear that you've put some serious thought and work into your productions. Thank you sir.

[robertgordon]

My father was a Delta pilot from 1946 until 1981. He loved flying the Convair 880.

[dansmusic]

I have a Convair 880/990 type rating on my ATP certificate. I flew an 'experimental' Convair 880 for the US Navy. They called it the UC-880. "We" (Flight Systems, Inc. of Mojave, CA) converted it into a refueling tanker with a hose and reel in the aft cargo compartment for the F/A-18 test program at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland. It was never in airline service -- the Navy bought it directly from the FAA for $1 in 1980. The FAA bought it new in 1961 and used it for training and experimental testing of various airline equipment and modificatons, mostly at Atlantic City, NJ. The UC-880 became a flying test bed for the Navy, chasing submarine launched cruise missiles, testing the new GPS system, and many other test projects that could use the large cabin to carry engineers on board during flight tests. The plane was in service from 1981 thru about 1993 at Pax River, they repainted it very nicely circa 1990, and then... blew it up with a 'bomb in the cargo hold' experiment in 1993. The Navy had one other 880 they bought cheaply from Miami 'cockroach corner' in 1983, but used it only as spare parts. CJ-805 engines were rare, and usually so rusted that bolts would break off if you tried to remove them. So we went through a lot of engines. I was told the Navy finally decided to simply use J-79 engines, replacing the afterburner with the thrust reversers -- a simple bolt on replacement. They had plenty of J-79s, the F-4 Phantom, B-58, F-104, RA-5J and plenty of other mothballed military planes used them. We were told the CJ-805 was simply a commercial version of the J-79 with cheaper metals and no afterburner.
Yes, the 990 was faster. NASA had one at Moffett Field (San Jose, CA) and it is now the gate guardian at Mojave Airport, Mojave California. The 990 did have 'anti-shock bodies' on the aft edge of the wings -- to break off any shock wave that might build in the transonic speeds. They doubled as extra fuel tanks. And they had aft-fan engines -- quite novel in those days, I don't think the concept ever caught on with any other jet engine.
Sadly, there are no flying 880s nor 990s today. Museums and the wrecking ball got them all. There was an 880 used as a restaurant at Erie Colorado (just north of Denver) in the 1980's, but its gone. Many were stored at Mojave Airport, but I think all of those have been dismantled now. Elvis Presley's 880 (called the "Lisa Marie", you have a photo in your video) is on display at Graceland, in Memphis. They flew it gear down on its last flight from Jacksonville, FL to Memphis, then cut the wings off with a chain saw, and towed it thru town to Graceland and bolted the wings back on for display.

[Taliyon]

This is one of the best renditions of the story of the Convair 880/990. Nailed it!

[captlawler]

I upgraded to TWA captain on the CV880 in 1968. I also instructed on it. Engine failure on takeoff and 2-engine inoperative landings were a handful due to inadequate rudder. I loved flying it.

[Sambxyz]

Thank you for this video. It brought back a memory that in September 1970, I flew on a Coronado 990 of Middle East Airlines from Beirut to Cairo. I have flown more than 3, 000 times and have kept a record of every flight. This was the only occasion on which I flew on a Coronado.

[dennyliegerot]

My favorite 4 engine aircraft... Flew on it many times. My father was a pilot with Delta from 1962-1995 so I was lucky enough to grow up with the airlines and the various airplanes of the time. Thanks for the video.

[travisgamble]

Thank you for doing such a thorough and well explained video Skyships! You really put good research into your vids. The Coronado series is one of my faves, but I love all the work you have been doing and share them often.

[chrisdominguez]

My Dad worked on these planes, back in the day! I loved to go watch them take-off and land. Thanks for reviving their history!!

[DSGNflorian]

Thumbs up, great video!. Amazing plane, too. The CV-990 has always been my favorite of the early jets. Granted, all first-generation jet transports are beautiful. But the 990 probably embodied the look of speed and power just a tad more elegantly than its contemporaries. Love the appearance of the rakish engine pylons and those sleek, clean nacelle tubes with the rear-positioned fan stage. This plane looks as space-age as anything from...well, the space age.. The increased wing sweep and those unique anti-shock pods are just awesome. Beautiful, beautiful plane.

[jbenthere]

A great and informative video! I love old aircraft pictures and videos and you did not disappoint! On June 22, 1969 (5 days before my 10th birthday), I flew on my first ever airliner. It was from CHI - MIA on a Delta Convair 880. In addition to all aspects of the aviation part of this flight, I remember my dad making my younger brother and I wear nice clothes. We were served a hot breakfast with real silverware and were even given a pair of wings from the stewardess. I even remember getting a postcard of the plane and the info on the back touted it's ability to fly at 635 mph. I was blown away by the entire experience! Your video has helped me relive a great day from my childhood. Thank you!!!

[soco]

I remember being a Delta passenger on the 880, early 60's. I was about 8 yrs old at the time.

[davidrichards]

I am glad you finally made a video about the convair fast aircraft. Thank you so much!

[michaelosgood]

Great documentary about one of the best looking jet airliners of all time.

[AJM-timecop]

I was an aircraft spotter in Manchester UK in the 70s. Always enjoyed seeing the Spantax Coronado.

[TakeDeadAim]

My grandfather worked for Convair in Ft Worth for 25 years as a pilot. He few almost everything they made including the B-36 and B-58, Also the 880/990 which were built in San Diego IIRC. Ended up at GD(when they took over Convair)and the F-111 when he retired in 1972.

[abelstypewriters]

The quality of content in these vidoes is so great.

[doloresdeojos]

Thanks a lot for sharing your time and work with all of us...very clear English !!

[MatthewSouthall-bu]

I'd never even heard of this plane. Thank you for enlightening me, excellent video.