Canadian Vickers Vedette (Canadian: 46 )
Canadian Vickers Vedette
Source: Harold A Skaarup Web Page (RCAF Photo courtesy of the Canadian Aviation Preservation Association)
Canadian Vickers Vedette I, RCAF Reg. No. G-CYFS
Canadian Vickers Vedette I, RCAF Reg. No. G-CYFS
The Canadian Vickers Vedette was the first aircraft designed and built in Canada to meet a specification for Canadian conditions. It was a single-engine biplane flying boat purchased to meet a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) demand for a smaller aircraft than the Vickers Viking with a much greater rate of climb, to be suitable for forestry survey and fire protection work. The type went on to have a long and distinguished career in civil operations in Canada. Most of the topographical maps in use in Canada today are based on photos taken from these aircraft.
Based on a preliminary design in early 1924 for a "flying boat" by R.K.Pierson of the British company Vickers, the Canadian Vickers Vedette was a two/three-seat single-engine pusher aircraft. The design was passed over to the subsidiary Canadian Vickers Limited of Longueuil, Quebec (formed in 1911) where Wilfrid Thomas Reid served as Chief Engineer. The prototype Vedette I was first flown on 4 November 1924, powered by a 200 hp (150 kW) Rolls-Royce Falcon III. It was subsequently fitted with 210 hp (160 kW) Wolseley Viper, 200 hp (150 kW) Wright J-4 and 215 hp (160 kW) Armstrong Siddeley Lynx engines for testing. Several versions of the Vedette were produced, including two amphibious versions and one with an enclosed cabin on an all-metal hull. With the exception of these major changes, most of the remaining differences between versions were relatively minor and not externally visible. Each version was produced with a range of optional engine types.
The first production example was provided to Fairchild Aerial Surveys (c/n 31 G-CAFF) before they started designing their own survey aircraft. The majority of the production run was purchased by the RCAF where the aircraft proved popular and versatile, if somewhat temperamental due to leaky hulls that required constant maintenance (a problem afflicting all wooden hulled flying boats). The Vedette undertook photographic and forestry patrols satisfactorily and provided a backbone for RCAF flying operations through the lean peacetime years. Vedettes started a coast-to-coast photographic survey that was needed to map out the large areas of the country still unmapped. These missions lasted until the outbreak of the Second World War, and would be completed after the war with newer types. Vedettes stationed on both coasts were also used for fishing and smuggling patrols, both with the RCAF and with Western Canada Airways. Wikipedia
A hull of one of the Saskatchewan-owned aircraft, along with a replica built by volunteers, are on display at the Western Development Museum, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Wikipedia Canadian Vickers Vedette
YouTube The Vickers Vedette - A Uniquely Canadian Aircraft
Vickers Vedette at Western Development Museum
CASPIR Aircraft Groups:
RCAF On Strength (46), Canadian Aircraft Losses (1)Vedette 11
s/n
11c/n
CV 52c/r
G‑CYZK, CF‑SAA
II
Planned to have enclosed cockpit, specification changed before aircraft was built. Later became RCAF no. 11 . Was G-CYZK. Reported at Camp Borden? To civil register as CF-SAA, registered to Saskatchewan Government on 1 June 1933. Withdrawn from use on 23 May 1935. 2020-08-17
1927-September-17 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1928-June-30 Serial Change Renumbered 2019-08-20
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2020-09-21
1927-September-17 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1928-June-30 Serial Change Renumbered 2019-08-20
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2020-09-21
Vedette 20
s/n
20c/n
CV 122 or 149c/r
G‑CYZF, CF‑MAA
V
CV 122 crashed before delivery,on 17 May 1929, during spinning trials. Company pilot, famed bush-pilot C.S. "Jack" Caldwell, bailed out. (Possibly first successful parachute save in Canada.) Replaced by CV 149. Later became CF-MAA, with Manitoba Government Air Service from 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from service on 15 April 1937. This registration also reserved for Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, which became RCAF 20 almost immediately after delivery in December 1927. 2020-06-12
1929-August-08 Taken on Strength (CV 149) 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold to Manitoba. 2019-08-20
1929-August-08 Taken on Strength (CV 149) 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold to Manitoba. 2019-08-20
Vedette 108
s/n
108c/n
CV 100c/r
G‑CAUW
II
Previous registration was G-CAUW, issued in 1928, probably for company tests. In use at the Seaplane School at Vancouver, BC in June 1931. 0000-01-01
1929-January-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-August-07 Struck off Strength 2020-09-21
1929-January-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-August-07 Struck off Strength 2020-09-21
Vedette 109
s/n
109c/n
CV 101c/r
G‑CAUX
II
Previous registration was G-CAUX, issued in 1928, probably for company tests. Category B damage at Vancouver on 5 March 1931. 0000-01-01
1929-January-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-June-14 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1929-January-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-June-14 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 110
s/n
110c/n
CV 118c/r
G‑CAUZ
II
Previous registration was G-CAUZ, issued in 1928, probably for company tests. Category B damage at Vancouver on 23 August 1929. 0000-01-01
1929-January-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1934-September-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1929-January-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1934-September-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 115
s/n
115c/n
CV 152
VA
Previous registration was G-CAUZ, issued in 1928, probably for company tests. Category B damage at Vancouver on 23 August 1929. June 1931.Possibly first successful parachute save in Canada.) Replaced by CV 149. Later became CF-MAA, with Manitoba Government Air Service from 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from service on 15 April 1937. This registration also reserved for Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, which became RCAF 20 almost immediately after delivery in December 1927. 0000-01-01
1930-January-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-August-26 Struck off Strength Written off, after Category B crash in BC on 17 June 1930. 2019-08-20
1930-January-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-August-26 Struck off Strength Written off, after Category B crash in BC on 17 June 1930. 2019-08-20
Vedette 123
s/n
123c/n
CV 153
VA
Category B damage on 6 February 1931, at Vancouver, BC. 0000-01-01
1930-January-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-July-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-January-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-July-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 124
s/n
124c/n
CV 154
VA
Category B damage on 6 February 1931, at Vancouver, BC.bly for company tests. Category B damage at Vancouver on 23 August 1929. June 1931.Possibly first successful parachute save in Canada.) Replaced by CV 149. Later became CF-MAA, with Manitoba Government Air Service from 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from service on 15 April 1937. This registration also reserved for Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, which became RCAF 20 almost immediately after delivery in December 1927. 0000-01-01
1930-February-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-June-16 Struck off Strength Written off, after Category A crash at Vancouver on 2 March 1931 2019-08-20
1930-February-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-June-16 Struck off Strength Written off, after Category A crash at Vancouver on 2 March 1931 2019-08-20
Vedette 803
s/n
803as/n
116c/n
CV 130
Va
Was 116. Later became 803. Category A accident at Vancouver, on 4 November 1930. Probably with Seaplane School at time of accident. Log books lost in a fire at Camp Borden in 1928. Used at RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, for pilot training. Category D damage on 12 August 1935, when the aircraft was run onto a sandy beach. Category A crash at Point Grey on 4 November 1935, while with No. 4 (FB) Squadron. Crew was performing an Aldis lamp signalling training flight when the pilot was struck in the face by a bird at a height of about 200 feet. Knocked unconscious, he slumped forward, and the aircraft dove into the water. Pilot seriously injured, observer slightly injured. Both were quickly rescued by the fishing boat "Billy W.". The owner of the boat received $12.00 to cover damage to a mattress and pillows onboard the vessel. Another $25.00 was spent to hire a commercial recovery vessel, the "Port Edward No. 1", to bring in the wreckage. 2021-11-01
1929-July-29 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1935-December-27 Struck off Strength Struck off after Category A crash at Vancouver on 4 November 1935 2019-08-20
1929-July-29 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1935-December-27 Struck off Strength Struck off after Category A crash at Vancouver on 4 November 1935 2019-08-20
Vedette 805
s/n
805c/n
CV 128c/r
G‑CYZA
Va
Used at Lac du Bonnet. Became RCAF 805. This registration was also reserved for Armstrong Whitworth Atlas, which became RCAF 17 almost immediately after delivery in December 1927. Was G-CYZA. Seen at Norway House, Manitoba in 1930 (with this serial number?). Served with No. 8 (GP) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, late 1930s. 2020-08-17
1929-August-27 Taken on Strength 2020-09-19
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2020-09-27
1929-August-27 Taken on Strength 2020-09-19
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2020-09-27
Vedette 806
s/n
806c/n
CV 124c/r
G‑CYZB
Va
Ferried from Rocklciffe, Ontario to Cormorant Lake, Ontario in spring of 1929. Based at Ladder Lake. Became RCAF 806. (This registration was also reserved for Armstrong Whitworth Atlas, which became RCAF 16 almost immediately after delivery in December 1927)
Was G-CYZB. Used by No. 6 (TB) Squadron for training at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, in 1936 and 1937, when this unit first formed. Sunk by tornado at Trenton on 29 October 1936. Aircraft was lifted clear of the water and turned over by the tornado, while remaining attached to its moorings. Continuing winds battered the airframe further before it could be recovered the next day. 2020-08-17
1929-July-12 Taken on Strength Struck off, as RCAF 806, after Category A crash at Trenton on 29 October 1936. 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-January-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Was G-CYZB. Used by No. 6 (TB) Squadron for training at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, in 1936 and 1937, when this unit first formed. Sunk by tornado at Trenton on 29 October 1936. Aircraft was lifted clear of the water and turned over by the tornado, while remaining attached to its moorings. Continuing winds battered the airframe further before it could be recovered the next day. 2020-08-17
1929-July-12 Taken on Strength Struck off, as RCAF 806, after Category A crash at Trenton on 29 October 1936. 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-January-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 807
s/n
807c/n
CV126c/r
G‑CYZE
Va
Was G-CYZE. Reported as operated by No. 8 (GP) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, late 1930s, in "RCAF Squadrons and Aircraft". 0000-01-01
1929-June-19 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1929-June-19 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 808
s/n
808c/n
CV 162c/r
G‑CYWJ
VA
Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. At Buffalo Park Sub-Station in August 1931. Became RCAF 808. Was G-CYWJ. With No. 3 Photo Detachment in 1930. 2020-08-17
1930-May-05 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-May-05 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 809
s/n
809c/n
CV 160c/r
G‑CYWL
VA
Operated from RCAF Rockcliffe, Ontario, possibly only for acceptance testing. Also based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Still registered as G-CYWL when it struck a deadhed while landing at Golden Lake, Ontario in May 1930. Repaired on site, flown back to Lac du Bonnet the next day. Later blew a cylinder on same detachment, damaging propellor and holing hull. Again, local repairs allowed a flight back to Lac du Bonnet. Became RCAF 809. Was G-CYWL. With No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, 1936 to 1940. With No. 13 (OT) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay, BC, 1940 to 1941. One of last four operational Vedettes, in 1940. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-29 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-29 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 810
s/n
810c/n
CV 159c/r
G‑CYWM
VA
Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Became RCAF 810. Was G-CYWM. With No. 4 Photo Detachment in 1930. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 811
s/n
811c/n
CV 158c/r
G‑CYWN
VA
Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Became RCAF 811. Was G-CYWN. Overhauled at RCAF Station Winnipeg in August 1933, when it was base at Lac du Bonnet. Served with No. 8 (GP) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, late 1930s. Category A crash at Trenton on 4 August 1937. Flying Officer J.L. Hanning killed, Cpl. M. Collins seriously injured. Stalled while attempting a forced landing in the Bay of Quinte following an engine failure. Had 383:35 airframe time when struck off. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Trenton on 4 August 1937. 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Trenton on 4 August 1937. 2019-08-20
Vedette 812
s/n
812c/n
CV 157c/r
G‑CYWO
VA
Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Became RCAF 812. was G-CYWO. With No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, 1936 to 1940. With No. 13 (OT) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay, BC, 1940 to 1941. One of last four operational Vedettes, in 1940. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-19
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-19
Vedette 813
s/n
813inst
A 24c/n
CV 156c/r
G‑CYWP
VA
Used at Vancouver, BC. Became RCAF 813. Was G-CYWP. With No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, 1936 to 1940, for pilot training. Later became instructional airframe A 24. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1939-November-24 Classified Instructional A 24 2020-06-09
1940-April-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2020-08-17
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1939-November-24 Classified Instructional A 24 2020-06-09
1940-April-03 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 814
s/n
814c/n
CV 155c/r
G‑CYWQ
VA
Became RCAF 814. Hull fragments salvaged 1977 and now with National Aeronuatical Collection. 2020-06-12
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off as RCAF 814, after crashing in a lake near Brighton, Ontario on 23 September 1937. 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off as RCAF 814, after crashing in a lake near Brighton, Ontario on 23 September 1937. 2019-08-20
Vedette 814
s/n
814c/n
CV155c/r
G‑CYWQ
Was G-CYWQ . Operated as trainer at RCAF Trenton. Crashed while attempting a forced landing into Cranberry Swamp, between Brighton and Trenton, Ontario on 23 September 1937. Was being operated by the Air Navigation and Seaplane School on a Air Navigation exercise #2. Engine cut due to engine-driven fuel pump drive shaft failure, and aircraft was unable to glide to open water before crashing, although the planned course should have made this possible. Aircraft overshot intended touchdown point and struck trees. All 3 occupants uninjured. Wreckage was left in place, after slavaging eninge, due to difficulty in moving in the swamp. Hull fragments salvaged 1977 and now with National Aeronautical Collection. Fragments were slung out under a Twin Huey from No. 424 (T&R) Squadron. 2016-06-02
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing into Cranberry Swamp, between Brighton and Trenton, Ontario on 23 September 1937. 2019-08-20
1930-May-08 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, after crashing into Cranberry Swamp, between Brighton and Trenton, Ontario on 23 September 1937. 2019-08-20
Vedette 816
s/n
816c/n
CV 123 / 170c/r
G‑CYZD
V / VAM
Became RCAF 816. Rebuilt as Mk. VAM, with metal fuselage CV 170, 26 November 1936. 2020-06-12
1929-June-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1941-May-26 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 816. 2019-08-20
1929-June-12 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1941-May-26 Struck off Strength Struck off, as RCAF 816. 2019-08-20
Vedette 816
s/n
816c/n
CV 170c/r
G‑CYZD
VAM
Was G-CYZD. Received slight damage on 22 August 1931 at Hutchinson's Wharf on Fairy Lake, near Huntsvile, Ontario. Was being operated by the Civil Aviation branch, by a civilian pilot. Small fire on the lower starboard wing, as aircraft was approaching the dock, possibly started by hot carbon particles from engine exhaust. Fire extinguished by dock workers, using new "fire gas" type extinguishers. No injuries. From witness reports the aircraft may have still had "ZD" markings in place. With No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, 1936 to 1940. With No. 13 (OT) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay, BC, 1940 to 1941. One of last four operational Vedettes, in 1940. 2016-06-02
1929-June-12 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-May-26 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1929-June-12 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-May-26 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 817
s/n
817c/n
CV 163c/r
G‑CYWI
VI
Taken on strength 13 May 1930. Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Became RCAF 817. Also reported to be a Mk. VI, with enclosed cockpit and lengthened metal hull. Enclosure probably removed shortly after delivery to RCAF. Was G-CYWI., pre war. Photos show aircraft with enclosed cockpit, as fitted to Mk. VI. Damaged in a heavy landing at Ottawa on 1 August 1934. Waterlooped in a glassy water landing at Ottawa on 25 July 1935, minor damage. Had 475:30 logged time on that date. Category C damage at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 19 July 1938. Pilot ducked to avoid being hit by a duck at low altitude, lost control and aircraft landed heavily. Floats and lower wing damaged. Wing and floats replaced, thus Category C damage. With No. 13 (OT) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay, BC, 1940 to 1941. Damaged at Patricia Bay on 9 December 1940, pilot attempted to take off with trim set incorrectly, aircraft landed heavily immediately after first lift off. Reported then as last Vedette in service. 2020-08-17
1930-May-08 First Flight 2020-08-17
1930-May-13 Taken on Strength 2020-09-23
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-November-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-23
1930-May-08 First Flight 2020-08-17
1930-May-13 Taken on Strength 2020-09-23
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-November-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-23
Vedette G‑CYFS
s/n
G-CYFSc/n
CV 9c/r
G‑CYFS
I
First Vedette prototype. First flight 4 November 1924, without military or civil registration, by Flying Officer W. N. Plenderlieth, RAF. Originally had RR Falcon engine. Wolsley Viper engine installed by 22 November 1924. First flight with Wright J-4 engine 9 May 1925, also first flight by RCAF pilot. By this time marked as "FS". Used by No. 3 (Operations) Squadron at Rockcliffe and Shirleys Bay, Ont., 17 July 1925 to 1927. Successful tests here led to large orders for additional Vedettes. Based at Shirleys Bay, Ontario by summer of 1926. Operated from Larder Lake, Ontario that fall, for survey work over Rouyn. Photo surveys over Muskoka are of Ontario in summer of 1927. Crewman injured by propellor while checking wind driven generator. Pilot attempted emergency landing, overshot lake and landed in grass field without further injuries. 2021-11-01
1925-July-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1927-November-25 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash landing at Torrance, Ont. In July (or August?) 1927, see comments 2019-08-20
1925-July-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1927-November-25 Struck off Strength Struck off after crash landing at Torrance, Ont. In July (or August?) 1927, see comments 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYGA
s/n
G-CYGAc/n
CV52c/r
G‑CYGA, CF‑SAE, G‑CAGA
Mk.II
Re-used registration, from HS-2L. Formerly G-CAGA, first registered on 17 May 1927 to Canadian Vickers, was purchased second hand from the estate of Dalzell McKee. Aircraft was built to McKee's order, apparently never delivered to him before his death. Fitted with Wight J-4B engine. With No. 5 Photo Detachment at Rockcliffe, Ontario in 1929. Left Rockcliffe on 6 June that year for detachment to Kashabowie, Ontario. The flight took 14 hours flying time, over 8 days. To civil register as CF-SAE, registered to Saskatchewan Government on 29 September 1934. Destroyed when pilot bailed out after aircraft became inverted in turbulence near Stony Lake, Saskatchewan on 27 May 1936. 0000-01-01
1927-August-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1934-September-27 Struck off Strength Struck off and sold. Became CF-SAE. 2019-08-20
1927-August-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1934-September-27 Struck off Strength Struck off and sold. Became CF-SAE. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYGW
s/n
G-CYGWc/n
CV32c/r
G‑CYGW
II
First production Vedette for the RCAF. Operated throughout Western Canada by No. 1 (Operations) Wing out of Winnipeg, Man. One of first two Vedettes at this base, started survey work over eastern Manitoba and north-west Ontario in fall of 1926. Seen at Norway House, Manitoba. Used by No. 3 (Operations) Squadron at Rockcliffe and Shirleys Bay, Ont., dates unknown. 0000-01-01
1926-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1926-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYGX
s/n
G-CYGXc/n
CV33c/r
G‑CYGX
II
One of first two Vedettes at Winnipeg, Manitoba, started survey work over eastern Manitoba and north-west Ontario in fall of 1926. Category A accident at Ladder Lake, summer of 1927, while attempting to land on glassy water. No injuries. 0000-01-01
1926-September-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1927-July-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1926-September-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1927-July-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYGY
s/n
G-CYGYc/n
CV34c/r
G‑CYGY, CF‑SAD
II
To civil register as CF-SAD, registered to Saskatchewan Government on 5 May 1936. Seen at Lac du Bonnet. Withdrawn from use on 5 May 1937. 0000-01-01
1926-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1936-May-06 Struck off Strength Struck off and sold 2019-08-20
1926-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1936-May-06 Struck off Strength Struck off and sold 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYGZ
s/n
G-CYGZc/n
CV35c/r
G‑CYGZ
II
Based at Shirleys Bay, Ontario by summer of 1926. Operated from Larder Lake, Ontario that fall, for survey work over Rouyn. Used for photo surveys from Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. 0000-01-01
1926-August-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1926-August-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYVP
s/n
G-CYVPc/n
CV 146c/r
CF‑AIR, G‑CYVP
VA
Civil registration CF-AIR issued in 1929 for company tests, not clear if ever marked. Delivered as amphibian. Used for ski trials. Badly damaged when ski fitting failed during takeoff at St. Hubert, Quebec on 6 March 1930. Probably only Vedette fitted with skiis. Nose section used as training aide for many years, now with National Aeronautical Collection. 2020-06-12
1930-February-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-December-29 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold 2019-08-20
1930-February-04 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-December-29 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYWK
s/n
G-CYWKc/n
CV 161c/r
G‑CYWK
VA
Civil registration CF-AIR issued in 1929 for company tests, not clear if ever marked. Delivered as amphibian. Used for ski trials. Badly damaged when ski fitting failed during takeoff at St. Hubert, Quebec on 6 March 1930. Probably only Vedette fitted with skiis. Nose section used as training aide for many years, now with National Aeronautical Collection.unknown.June that year for detachment to Kashabowie, Ontario. The flight took 14 hours flying time, over 8 days. To civil register as CF-SAE, registered to Saskatchewan Government on 29 September 1934. Destroyed when pilot bailed out after aircraft became inverted in turbulence near Stony Lake, Saskatchewan on 27 May 1936.Crewman injured by propellor while checking wind driven generator. Pilot attempted emergency landing, overshot lake and landed in grass field without further injuries.mber 1940, pilot attempted to take off with trim set incorrectly, aircraft landed heavily immediately after first lift off. Reported then as last Vedette in service. 0000-01-01
1930-May-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-August-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba on 18 May 1933. 2019-08-20
1930-May-01 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-August-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba on 18 May 1933. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYWR
s/n
G-CYWRc/n
CV 151c/r
CF‑AIV, G‑CYWR
V
Known Squadron Assignments: ;Aeronautical
Civil registration CF-AIV issued for initial company tests on 7 August 1929, but not clear if ever marked. Crashed a few days after first flight. Landed in suburb of Montreal. Flying Officer P. G. Stanley and Flying Officer J. McLaughlan killed. Later taken on strength for accounting reasons. 2020-06-121929-October-25 Taken on Strength 2020-09-19
1929-November-04 Struck off Strength Crashed on test flight, struck off same day. See comments. 2019-08-20
1929-November-04 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer John C McLaughlan 2021-05-23
1929-November-04 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Paul Gordon Stanley 2021-05-23
Vedette G‑CYWS
s/n
G-CYWSc/n
CV 150c/r
G‑CYWS, CF‑AIU
V
Civil registration CF-AIU issued for initial company tests on 7 August 1929, but not clear if ever marked. Flew lengthy survey mission over Canadian Arctic June to August 1930, with Fairchild G-CYVX. Operated from Great Bear Lake for part of this period. With No. 2 General Purpose Detachment at Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1931, when it returned to Great Bear Lake. Converted to amphibian, date unknown. 0000-01-01
1929-November-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-October-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, never received RCAF serial. 2019-08-20
1929-November-06 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1935-October-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, never received RCAF serial. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYXZ
s/n
G-CYXZc/n
CV 90c/r
G‑CYXZ, CF‑MAD
II
Ferried from Rocklciffe, Ontario to No. 3 Photo Detachment at Sioux Lookout, Ontario early 1929, via North Bay, Sudbury, Oba Lake, and Orient Bay. Used at Cormorant Lake. To civil register as CF-MAD, registered to Manitoba Government Air Service on 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from us on 23 May 1935, no further information. 0000-01-01
1928-July-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
1928-July-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYA
s/n
G-CYYAc/n
CV 76c/r
G‑CYYA, CF‑MAC
II
Used at Ladder Lake. To civil register as CF-MAC, registered to Manitoba Government Air Service on 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from use on 23 May 1935, no further information. 0000-01-01
1928-June-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
1928-June-16 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYB
s/n
G-CYYBc/n
CV 73c/r
G‑CYYB
II
Used at Lac du Bonnet. 0000-01-01
1928-June-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-November-25 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1928-June-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-November-25 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYC
s/n
G-CYYCc/n
CV 72c/r
G‑CYYC, CF‑MAE
II
Used at Cormorant Lake. To civil register as CF-MAE, registered to Manitoba Government Air Service on 2 June 1932. Engine caught fire on shut down at dock at Cranberry Portage, Manitoba on 28 July 1932, aircraft totally destroyed. 0000-01-01
1928-June-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
1928-June-14 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYD
s/n
G-CYYDc/n
CV 71c/r
G‑CYYD, CF‑MAB
II
Based at Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. Sold to Manitoba government for $1.00. Became CF-MAB, registered to Manitoba Government Air Service on 2 June 1932. Withdrawn from use on 9 May 1935, no further information. 0000-01-01
1928-March-18 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold to Manitoba Air Sevice 2019-08-20
1928-March-18 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold to Manitoba Air Sevice 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYE
s/n
G-CYYEc/n
CV 58c/r
G‑CYYE
II
Used at Winnipeg, Manitoba. 0000-01-01
1928-March-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-May-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1928-March-03 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-May-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYF
s/n
G-CYYFc/n
CV 57c/r
G‑CYYF
II
First Vedette delivered with strengthened front hull and wing carry through structure, later retrofitted to all surviving aircraft. Featured in Canadian Vickers ad in December 1928 issue of Canadian Aviation magazine. Used in northern Ontario. 0000-01-01
1928-March-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-September-04 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A accident 17 July 1930. 2019-08-20
1928-March-29 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1930-September-04 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A accident 17 July 1930. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYYZ
s/n
G-CYYZc/n
CV 125c/r
G‑CYYZ, CF‑SAC
V
Seen at Rockcliffe with nose mounted oblique camera in August 1929. First RCAF Vedette with wing slots. Became CF-SAC, registered to the Government of Saskatchewan on 19 August 1933. Withdrawn from use on 21 May 1936. 0000-01-01
1929-July-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-August-23 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2019-08-20
1929-July-09 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-August-23 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYZC
s/n
G-CYZCc/n
CV 127c/r
G‑CYZC
V
Fitted with Lynx engine. Destroyed by storm while moored in Manitoba, one month after arriving there. 0000-01-01
1929-June-15 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-October-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1929-June-15 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-October-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYZL
s/n
G-CYZLc/n
CV 51c/r
G‑CYZL
II
Survey missions over Quebec in summer of 1928. With No. 5 Photo Detachment at Rocklciffe, Ontario in 1929. Left Rockcliffe on 6 June that year for detachment to Kashabowie, Ontario. The flight took 14 hours flying time, over 8 days. 0000-01-01
1927-August-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-September-05 Struck off Strength Struck off, following Category A accident on 18 June 1929. 2019-08-20
1927-August-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-September-05 Struck off Strength Struck off, following Category A accident on 18 June 1929. 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYZM
s/n
G-CYZMc/n
CV 50c/r
G‑CYZM, CF‑SAB
II
Used at Lac la Ronge. Sold to Saskatchewan Government on 1 June 1933, became CF-SAB. Withdrawn from use on 28 May 1937. 2014-03-09
1927-May-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1927-May-17 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYZN
s/n
G-CYZNc/n
CV 41c/r
G‑CYZN
II
Operated throughout Western Canada by No. 1 (Operations) Wing out of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Cormorant Lake). 0000-01-01
1927-March-15 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-January-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
1927-March-15 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1931-January-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette G‑CYZO
s/n
G-CYZOc/n
CV 40c/r
G‑CYZO
II
Operated throughout Western Canada by No. 1 (Operations) Wing out of Winnipeg, Man. 0000-01-01
1927-March-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-November-16 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash on 10 September 1929. 2019-08-20
1929-September-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Gerard Alphonsus A Lemoine 2021-03-22
1927-March-24 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
1929-November-16 Struck off Strength Struck off, after Category A crash on 10 September 1929. 2019-08-20
1929-September-10 KIFA RCAF Flying Officer Gerard Alphonsus A Lemoine 2021-03-22
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