Convair 990 Coronado Garuda

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Convair 990 Coronado Garuda model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Convair 990 Coronado Garuda model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Convair 990 Coronado Garuda model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The Convair 990 Coronado Garuda: Soaring Legacy in the Golden Age of Jet Travel

In the pantheon of jet airliners that marked the golden age of air travel, the Convair 990 Coronado stands out as a remarkable testament to innovation, speed, and luxury. Among its operators, Garuda Indonesia, the national airline of Indonesia, held a special place, incorporating the Convair 990 into its fleet and thereby marking a significant period in its history. This article delves into the Convair 990 Coronado, focusing on its deployment by Garuda Indonesia, and highlights the key features that set this aircraft apart in the competitive skies of the 20th century.

A Leap into the Jet Age:

The Convair 990 Coronado, developed by Convair, a division of General Dynamics, was designed to be a faster variant of its predecessor, the Convair 880. With its first flight in 1961, the 990 sought to capture the market that demanded faster transcontinental and transatlantic service. It was a time when the aviation industry was rapidly transitioning from propeller-driven aircraft to jets, and speed was a significant selling point.

Garuda Indonesia’s Crown Jewel:

Garuda Indonesia, in its quest to modernize its fleet and offer more competitive and appealing services to its passengers, embraced the Convair 990 with enthusiasm. The airline, named after the mythical bird Garuda, saw the 990 as a perfect symbol of its aspirations and ambitions. It became the crown jewel of Garuda’s fleet during the 1960s, enabling faster travel times across the vast Indonesian archipelago and beyond.

Distinctive Features of the Convair 990 Coronado:

• Speed and Performance:

The Convair 990 was one of the fastest commercial airliners of its time, capable of cruising at speeds of up to 615 mph (990 km/h), thanks to its four powerful General Electric CJ805-23 turbofan engines. This made it only slightly slower than the supersonic Concorde in terms of commercial service speed.

• Advanced Aerodynamics:

To achieve its remarkable speed, the 990 incorporated several aerodynamic improvements over the 880, including the addition of anti-shock bodies on the upper wing surface, which also served as additional fuel tanks. These “speed pods” reduced drag and allowed the aircraft to efficiently cruise at high speeds.

• Comfort and Luxury:

Inside, the Convair 990 Coronado was designed for luxury and comfort. It offered a quieter and smoother ride compared to its contemporaries. With spacious seating arrangements, fine dining options, and attentive service, passengers experienced a level of air travel luxury that set high standards for international air travel.

The Legacy of the Convair 990 Coronado with Garuda:

Although the Convair 990 Coronado was not a commercial success in terms of sales, with only 37 units built, its service with Garuda Indonesia left a lasting legacy. It represented a bold step into the jet age for the airline and the country, showcasing Indonesia’s commitment to connecting its islands and people to the world with advanced technology and a spirit of innovation.

Garuda’s Convair 990s served well into the 1970s, after which they were gradually phased out in favor of newer, more efficient aircraft. Yet, for those who flew in them, the Convair 990 Coronado remains a symbol of a bygone era of jet travel that was both luxurious and adventurous.

Conclusion:

The Convair 990 Coronado, particularly in its role with Garuda Indonesia, epitomizes a fascinating chapter in the history of commercial aviation. It stood as a beacon of progress, offering unmatched speed and luxury during its time in the skies. Today, it is remembered not just as an aircraft, but as a symbol of the golden age of air travel, where the journey was as important as the destination.