Canadian Vickers Vancouver

The Canadian Vickers Vancouver was a Canadian transport/patrol flying-boat of the 1930s built by Canadian Vickers.

It was a twin-engine, equal-span biplane. The hull was of metal and the rest of the structure was of fabric-covered wood.

Development
The Vancouver was developed as a replacement for the Varuna in response to a Royal Canadian Air Force requirement for a flying-boat to transport men and equipment to forest fires. The main difference from the Varuna was a duralumin hull and more powerful engines. The two flight crew were located in two tandem open cockpits, forward of the wing. The main cabin could accommodate a fire-fighting team of six men and all the required equipment. Five aircraft were delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force, one was later converted into a coastal patrol aircraft.

Operational history
In the mid-1930s, the Vancouvers were modified as coastal patrol aircraft by the installation of machine guns and bombs.

After the outbreak of the Second World War, Vancouvers served with 4 Squadron, RCAF at Jericho Beach Air Station until withdrawn from service in 1940. After a brief period of service in training duties, they were finally withdrawn.

Variants

 * Vancouver I - prototype with Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IV engines, one built.
 * Vancouver II - production transport version with Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IVC engines, five built.
 * Vancouver II/SW - armed coastal patrol reconnaissance aircraft with Wright Whirlwind J-6 engines, one conversion from Vancouver II.

Operator

 * 🇨🇦 Canada: Royal Canadian Air Force
 * No. 4 Squadron RCAF