"Last Potentially Flyable Convair CV-990 Destroyed"-2010

Get the hankies out guys...I'm VERY SORRY to say that the last potentially flyable CV-990 has just been cut up for scrap in El Paso, Texas in early August, 2010.

I won't say "Enjoy" the video, but having this documented as opposed to not, well, you get the picture.

MANY THANKS to Captain Chris Casner & Captain Jean Schwarzkopf for use of the photos.

Especially sad to me, as the CV-990 is my all time favourite jetliner, and like many fans of this aircraft, we all held hope that this one here, might actually fly again one day.

But in reality, noise & emissions restrictions would have probably never allowed this to happen, except perhaps on a one way "Ferry" trip.

She was "Ship 24" (Out of only 37 aircraft ever produced), and back in the 1960s, this particular airplane flew passengers in style for American Airlines as one of the fleet's "990 Astrojet'", "Flagship Rita".

In 1961, a 990 set a speed record for subsonic airliners; a ground speed of 675 mph at 21,000 feet. This record STILL STANDS.

From what I understand, In a last ditch effort to save the airplane, the owner offered her for FREE, to anyone who was cockpit qualified, certified in 990/990A type aircraft, that would agree to fly her to a permanent home.

There were no takers.

On an up-note, FOUR complete (Static, will never fly)
airframes remain:

One in Lucerne, Switzerland, TWO in Mojave, CA, and one at Son Saint Joan Air Base, Spain.

Thanks guys, and God bless "The Maserati Of The Air".

Christian

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Convair
• CV-990
• 880
• Classic
• Jetliner
• Retro
• Vintage
• Scrap
• Scrapped
• Stewardess
• Flight
• Attendant
• Air
• Hostess
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• 767
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• Paso
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• Douglas
• DC-8
• DC-9
• DC-10
• MD-11

[HamburgMobile]

Why no museum was interested in this beauty?

[XPLANEFSX]

@748cowboy

grow up kid

[Jl777100]

I want to cry when i watch these videos,,,,, They can always put one behind my back yard,,,,

[Flies2FLL]

Good.

these airplanes are CRAP! Just like John Schwab, they aren't a proposition that can live, and must destroy themselves. Fat, stupid,and unable to support themselves. I hate that-

[macpilot757]

I don't care about a little bit of metal getting ripped, but someone spent part of their life designing and building that thing and its a little disheartening just to see it being destroyed. what makes me sad is how little many people appreciate aircraft, especially this rare and be and beautiful work of art. if you gave it to me I totally would have made it into a house to hang out in. I love the convairs :D

[Mr27ace27]

How could no one be interested in a free aircraft? was it publicized at all?

[TG626]

If I was driving that pickup that had the nose/cockpit I'd have driven it to my house lol...

[hotelgulf]

A total lack of vision and respect for American aviation history. Certain politicians probably steal more money in one month than it would have cost to mothball and preserve this beauty.

[rEdf196]

Too bad to see another classic jetliner get cut up. I remember going to Vancouver airport as a kid 40 years ago seeing lots of classic DC8s 707s 727s and Viscount, Vanguard turboliners although I was too young to know what a CV 990  was but it definately brought back memories of those days

[cashman156]

Such a shame to see history binned like this, especially something that could still fly!

[dannobnl]

@748cowboy Steel, not "steal". And there wouldn't be stainless steel, it would be structural steel in the keel and sectional pieces, and aluminum skin. Carbon fibre wasn't used in the 60's either. Other than nothing at all, though, you had everything else right...