Cranwell CLA.4

The Cranwell CLA.4 is one of three airplanes of its kind ever built.  A group of students, unsatisfied with their flying hours at the Edmonton and Northern Alberta Flying Club, purchased a set of plans to build the plane in 1927. Alf Want assembled the aircraft in his house basement, but then moved it to Blatchford Field for flight trials. It is the last  aircraft of its kind, and is the oldest surviving airplane originally built in Edmonton.

Specifications
  • Wingspan: 8.33 m
  • Length: 6.80 m
  • Powerplant: 1 x Velie M-5 5-cyl. radial engine (41 kW)
  • Maximum Speed: 105 km/h
  • Cruise Speed: 80 km/h
  • Range: 200 km
  • Crew: 1
  • Passengers: 1

 

Excerpt from Alberta Aviation Museum – 30 Years of Progress

The design was a product of the Cranwell Light Aeroplane Club, comprised of students at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in England. The CLA.4 was an unusual biplane in that its top wing was 20% smaller than the bottom wing.

Alf Want learned an important lesson after finishing his homebuilt aircraft: measure twice to make sure it can get out of the basement.

 

You can learn more about this aircraft by purchasing a copy of our 30th Anniversary Souvenir Book or by visiting the museum today!

Cranwell airplane exhibit. Aircraft Identification Number: CLA4

Photo Gallery

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