Design of the second aircraft type to bear the name "Argosy" was commenced in September 1956, following intensive, market research into freighting conditions all over the world.
Various submissions for a Military transport aircraft had previously been made to the Ministry of Aviation without a resulting order, and the decision to go ahead on Company funds was particularly outstanding.
First flight with Mr. E.G. Franklin at the controls took place in January, 1959.
Power Plant:
4 Rolls Royce Dart 526.
Rotol Propellers (11 ft. 6 in. diameter).
Dimensions:
Span 115 ft.
Length 86 ft. 9 in.
Height 27 ft.
Wing Area 1,458 sq. ft.
Weight:
A.U.W. 88,000 lb. (Series 100).
A.U.W. 90,000 lb. (Series 200).
A.U.W. 93,000 lb. (Series 220).
Performance:
Economical Cruising Speed 276 mph (Series 100 & 200).
285 mph (Series 220).
Initial Rate of Climb at Sea Level 900 ft. / min. (Series 200).
Range (Allowing 230 mile diversion plus 45 min. reserves).
Series 100 330 miles with max. payload, 1,780 miles with 12,000 lb. payload.
Series 200 260 miles with max. payload, 1,680 miles with 14,000 lb. payload
Series 220 500 miles with max. payload, 1,700 miles with 16,500 lb. payload.
Eventually seven aircraft were ordered by Riddle Airlines, the first of which was delivered in December 1960 with A.R.B. and F.A.A. certification, and were soon operating on the Logair freight routes across the U.S.A.
Three aircraft were taken by B.E.A. and used extensively until 1965, when they decided to replace them with five Argosy 650 Series 222. These were developed from the earlier pattern to incorporate modern features such as fail safe wings, integral fuel tanks and wider doors to permit use of 108 in. wide pallets.
Meanwhile, the aircraft delivered to Riddle were transferred to Capitol (5) and Zantop (2) Airlines, and continued their Logair operations.