Vedette (Total: 44, Canadian: 44, Group 0)
Canadian Vickers Vedette

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
Vedette 11, II
s/n 11
c/n CV52
Canadian Vickers
11
last update: 2025-February-04
1928-June-30 Serial Change Renumbered 2019-08-20
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. 2020-09-21
Vedette 108, II
s/n 108
c/n CV100
Canadian Vickers
108
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-04
1935-August-07 Struck off Strength 2020-09-21
Vedette 109, II
s/n 109
c/n CV101
Canadian Vickers
109
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-04
1931-March-05 Accident Category B Vancouver BC CA 109 2025-02-04
1933-June-14 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 110, II
s/n 110
c/n CV118
Canadian Vickers
110
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-04
1929-August-23 Accident Category B Vancouver BC CA 110 2025-02-04
1934-September-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 115, VA
s/n 115
c/n CV152
Canadian Vickers
115
last update: 2025-February-04
1930-June-17 Accident Category B BC CA 115 2025-02-04
1930-August-26 Struck off Strength 2025-02-04
Vedette 123, VA
s/n 123
c/n CV153
Canadian Vickers
123
last update: 2025-February-04
1931-February-06 Accident Category B Vancouver BC CA 123 2025-02-04
1935-July-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 124, VA
s/n 124
c/n CV154
Canadian Vickers
124
last update: 2025-February-04
1931-March-02 Accident Category A Vancouver BC CA 124 2025-02-04
1931-June-16 Struck off Strength 2025-02-04
Vedette 803, VA
s/n 803
as/n 116
c/n CV130
Canadian Vickers
803
Lynx / Lynx IVA
Renumbered from 116 to 803 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-06
1930-November-04 Accident Category A Vancouver BC CA 116 2025-02-04
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1935-August-12 Accident Category D 803 Run aground. 2025-02-04
1935-November-04 Accident Category A Vancouver BC CA 803 Bird strike. 2025-02-04
1936-January-20 Struck off Strength 2025-02-04
Vedette 805, VA
s/n 805
c/n CV128
Canadian Vickers
805
Lynx / Lynx IV / Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYZA to 805 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-03
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2020-09-27
Vedette 806, VA
s/n 806
c/n CV124
Canadian Vickers
806
Lynx / Lynx IV / Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYZB to 806 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-03
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1936-October-29 Accident Category A 6 (TB) Sqn Trenton ON CA 806 Struck by tornado in moorings. 2025-02-03
1937-January-18 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 807, VA
s/n 807
c/n CV126
Canadian Vickers
807
Lynx / Lynx IVB
With 8 (General Purpose) Squadron on 23 October 1936. Overhaul done by this squadron in early 1937. Sent to Trenton on 11 June 1937 and then assigned to the Aircraft Navigation and Seaplane Training School on 17 June 1937. Sent to station stores at Trenton on 26 November 1939. Reduced to produce and spares by 15 January 1940. Mainplanes, tailplanes, and rudders shipped to the Technical Training Centre at St. Thomas as training aids.
Renumbered from G-CYZE to 807 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-03
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 808, VA
s/n 808
c/n CV162
Canadian Vickers
808
Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWJ to 808 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 809, VA
s/n 809
c/n CV160
Canadian Vickers
809
Lynx IVB
With 4 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC, 1936 to 1939. In Stored Reserve on 9 September 1939. Assigned to Seaplane School in Vancouver on 4 March 1940. Sent to Western Air Command on 1 April 1940, as part of 13 (Operational Training) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay, BC, 1940 to 1941. One of last four operational Vedettes, in 1940. Reduced to produce and spares and Struck off Strength on 29 January 1941. The wooden hull was assessed to have no instructional value.
Renumbered from G-CYWL to 809 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-03
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-29 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 810, VA
s/n 810
c/n CV159
Canadian Vickers
810
Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWM to 810 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1940-January-15 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 811, VA
s/n 811
c/n CV158
Canadian Vickers
811
Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWN to 811 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1937-August-04 Accident Category A ANSTS Trenton ON CA 811 Crashed after engine failure. 2025-02-03
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength 2025-02-03
Vedette 812, VA
s/n 812
c/n CV157
Canadian Vickers
812
Lynx IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWO to 812 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-January-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-19
Vedette 813, VA
s/n 813
c/n CV156
Canadian Vickers
813
Lynx IVA/IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWP to 813 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
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, VA
s/n 814
c/n CV155
Canadian Vickers
814
Lynx IVA/IVB
Renumbered from G-CYWQ to 814 in 1932.
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 salvaging engine and instruments, due to difficulty in moving in the swamp. Aircraft officially struck off strength on 17 November 1937.
Hull fragments salvaged in 1977 and now with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Rockcliffe. Fragments were slung out under a CH135 Twin Huey from 424 (Transport & Rescue) Squadron.
last update: 2025-February-02
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2025-02-02
1937-September-23 Accident Category A ANSTS Cranberry Swamp ON CA 814 Crashed after engine failure. 2025-02-03
1937-November-17 Struck off Strength as RCAF 814 2025-02-03
Vedette 816, V / VAM
s/n 816
c/n CV123/CV170
Canadian Vickers
816
Lynx IVB
With the Aircraft Navigation and Seaplane Training School in Trenton on 9 September 1939. Sent to Vancouver by 17 January 1940 and assigned to 4 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF Station Jericho Beach BC on 19 January 1940. Assigned to Western Air Command, with 13 (Operational Training) Squadron, RCAF Stations Sea Island or Patricia Bay BC, on 1 April 1940. One of last four operational Vedettes, in 1940. Noted as beyond economical repair at Patricia Bay and struck off strength on 26 May 1941, with 1062:20 total flying time.
Renumbered from G-CYZD to 816 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-03
1931-May-11 Conversion Canadian Vickers G-CYZD from V to VAM, with a metal hull. 2025-02-03
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1941-May-26 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette 817, VI
s/n 817
c/n CV163
Canadian Vickers
817
Wright J-6D
Assigned to the Aircraft Navigation and Seaplane School in Trenton on 9 September 1939. Complete overhaul at Canadian Vickers in May 1940. Assigned back to the Navigation and Seaplane School on 20 April 1940, this time in Vancouver. With 13 (Operational Training) 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. Aircraft struck off strength as Free Issue to a Youth Training School in Edmonton on 11 January 1941.
Renumbered from G-CYWI to 817 in 1932.
last update: 2025-February-02
1930-May-13 Taken on Strength 2020-09-23
1932-January-01 Serial Change renumbered 2019-08-20
1935-September-25 Accident Category C Ottawa ON CA 817 Waterlooped on landing. 2025-02-03
1938-July-19 Accident Category C Trenton ON CA 817 Loss of control during landing. 2025-02-03
1941-November-11 Struck off Strength 2020-09-23
Vedette GCYFS, I
s/n GCYFS
c/n CV9
Canadian Vickers
G-CYFS
Wright J-4
last update: 2025-February-06
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 GCYGA, II
s/n GCYGA
c/n CV53
Canadian Vickers
G-CYGA
Wright J-4B
Taken on strength by RCAF on 2 Aug 1927. With 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. Struck off strength on 27 September 1934.
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.
A replica of CF-SAE is on display at the Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw, along with the remains of an original Vedette that is likely CF-SAE.
last update: 2025-February-06
1934-September-27 Struck off Strength and sold. Became CF-SAE. 2025-02-01
Vedette GCYGW, II
s/n GCYGW
c/n CV32
Canadian Vickers
G-CYGW
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
Vedette GCYGX, II
s/n GCYGX
c/n CV33
Canadian Vickers
G-CYGX
Armstrong Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1927-July-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYGY, II
s/n GCYGY
c/n CV34
Canadian Vickers
G-CYGY
Armstrong Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1936-May-06 Struck off Strength and sold 2025-02-01
Vedette GCYGZ, II
s/n GCYGZ
c/n CV35
Canadian Vickers
G-CYGZ
Wright J4
last update: 2025-February-06
Vedette GCYVP, V
s/n GCYVP
c/n CV146
Canadian Vickers
G-CYVP
Wright J-6
Nose section used as training aide for many years and now at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Rockcliffe.
last update: 2025-February-06
1930-March-06 Accident Category A St. Hubert QC CA G-CYVP Ski fitting failed during takeoff. 2025-02-03
1930-December-29 Struck off Strength 2025-02-03
Vedette GCYWK, VA
s/n GCYWK
c/n CV161
Canadian Vickers
G-CYWK
last update: 2025-February-06
1933-May-18 Accident Category A Lac du Bonnet MB CA G-CYWK 2025-02-03
1933-August-08 Struck off Strength 2025-02-03
Vedette GCYWR, V
s/n GCYWR
c/n CV151
Canadian Vickers
G-CYWR
Wright J6
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-November-04 Struck off Strength Crashed on test flight, struck off same day. See comments. 2019-08-20


Vedette GCYWS, V
s/n GCYWS
c/n CV150
Canadian Vickers
G-CYWS
Wright J6
last update: 2025-February-06
1935-October-18 Struck off Strength Struck off, never received RCAF serial. 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYXZ, II
s/n GCYXZ
c/n CV90
Canadian Vickers
G-CYXZ
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYA, II
s/n GCYYA
c/n CV76
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYA
Armstrong Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYB, II
s/n GCYYB
c/n CV73
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYB
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1931-November-25 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYC, II
s/n GCYYC
c/n CV72
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYC
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold. 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYD, II
s/n GCYYD
c/n CV71
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYD
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, later sold to Manitoba Air Sevice 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYE, II
s/n GCYYE
c/n CV58
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYE
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-May-23 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYYF, II
s/n GCYYF
c/n CV57
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYF
Armstrong Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1930-July-17 Accident Category A G-CYYF 2025-02-03
1930-September-04 Struck off Strength 2025-02-03
Vedette GCYYZ, V
s/n GCYYZ
c/n CV125
Canadian Vickers
G-CYYZ
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1933-August-23 Struck off Strength and sold. 2025-02-03
Vedette GCYZC, V
s/n GCYZC
c/n CV127
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZC
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-October-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYZF, V
s/n GCYZF
c/n CV149
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZF
Armstrong-Siddeley Lynx
last update: 2025-February-06
1932-May-13 Struck off Strength and sold to Manitoba. 2025-02-03
Vedette GCYZL, II
s/n GCYZL
c/n CV51
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZL
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-June-18 Accident Category A G-CYZL 2025-02-04
1929-September-05 Struck off Strength 2025-02-04
Vedette GCYZM, II
s/n GCYZM
c/n CV50
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZM
Lynx IV
last update: 2025-February-06
1933-June-21 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYZN, II
s/n GCYZN
c/n CV41
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZN
last update: 2025-February-06
1931-January-08 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Vedette GCYZO, II
s/n GCYZO
c/n CV40
Canadian Vickers
G-CYZO
last update: 2025-February-06
1929-September-10 Accident Category A G-CYZO 2025-02-04
1929-November-16 Struck off Strength 2025-02-04