The Canadian-built, Canadair Argus was a unique hybrid that employed the wings, tail surfaces and undercarriage of the British designed Britannia transport, married to a completely new unpressurized fuselage of Canadian design and equipped with different American-designed engines.

Work on the CL-28 began in April 1954 and at the time it was the largest aircraft built in Canada. The first CL-28 came off the assembly line on December 21, 1956 and flew on March 28 1957, with the delivery of the first CL-28 to the RCAF in September 1957.

Argus Mk. 1

This aircraft was fitted with an American APS-20 radar in a chin-mounted radome. (13 built)

Argus Mk. 2

This aircraft was fitted with a British ASV-21 radar in a chin-mounted radome. (20-built)

One of the most effective anti-submarine warfare aircraft of it's day, the Argus was a mainstay for the RCAF in the maritime role. The principal difference between the Mark I and Mark II was primarily in the different navigation, communication and tactical electronic equipment fitted internally. Externally, the Mk II exhibited a redesigned smaller nose radome and additional ECM antennae above the fuselage.

The Argus replaced the Lancaster and Neptune aircraft types previously flown in the maritime roles and eventually, the Argus was itself to be replaced by the current CP-140 Aurora aircraft.