CP-107 Argus 10717 - 449 Squadron

Here's a rare bird indeed. It is a representation of 717 in 449 (Unicorn) Markings. This Squadron was responsible to train new CP-107 crews on the Argus from 1968 until about 1975(?). This unit's Heraldic Crest featured a Unicorn's head against a Forest Green circular background. The propeller spinners were painted dark green to match the Green in the Heraldic Crest. I believe that Mark2 Argus 10740 also had this marking scheme...but I'm not 100% sure. I have seen a photo of 717 painted this way.

Special thanks to Bill at CanMilAir decals for the Canadian Armed Forces Block lettering. BTW - If you have one of the 1/144 Welsh Models' Argus, CanMilAir decals has excellent decal sets to make your aircraft look it's very best!

~Rob

Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit (MPEU)

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Here's an example from MPEU. This unit was tasked to evaluate new systems proposed for the Argus.

Taken from a 1976 photo (courtesy William Burns of the EXCELLENT CanMilAir decals), this aircraft has had the Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) gear removed. Notice the tail stinger is absent on the aircraft. Also noteworthy is the temporary fairings on the 18 foot weapons bays and the MPEU symbol on the tail (an Arctic Tern).

I waited all YEAR as a young boy to see the Argus up close at the annual CFB Summerside Open House and Airshow. One year in particular found MPEU tasked to support the Open House with a Static bird. No tail stinger? I was shocked...but I got over it! LOL

~Rob