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Aurora (Canadian: 18 )

Lockheed CP-140 Aurora CP140

(Mike Kaehler Photo) (Source Harold A Skaarup Web Page)
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora (Serial No. 140112) retracting its landing gear on take off, CFB Comox, BC.

The Lockheed Model 285D, CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. The name Aurora refers to the Roman goddess of dawn who flies across the sky each morning ahead of the sun. Aurora also refers to the Aurora Borealis, the "northern lights", that are prominent over northern Canada.. Harold Skaarup web pages

General Harold A Skaarup Web Page

YouTube Lockheed CP-140 Aurora

Kestrek Publications CP-140 Argus Arcturus Kestrel Publications

last update: 2021-11-27 13:18:27

Aurora 140101

s/n
 140101
as/n
 140101
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5682

Known Squadron Assignments: 405; 407

Company tests as N64996. First flight on 22 May 1979, with US registration marked. Delivered on 28 June 1980. With 405 (MP) Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS in April 1995. Regularly used by the Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit at Greenwood, internal equipment racks are modified for easy removal and modifications. First aircraft to complete the AIMP (Aurora Incremental Modernization Project) upgrade, with first flight on 6 May 2004. Took part in 2006 Canadian International Air Show at Toronto. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood in September 2006. On display at Abbotsford, BC air show, August 2007. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in October 2007. Visited UK in June 2008. To Hawaii in July 2008 for RIMPAC exercise. Seen at Greenwood in June 2009. Passed through Prestwick, UK in mid March 2011, en route to Mediterranean for Operation Mobile, UN air support to Libyan rebellion. One of three a/c to receive Block 3 (interim) iBLOS (satellite) communication system and deployed on Op IMPACT in Middle East. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-June-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189 | 2005 223

Aurora 140102

s/n
 140102
as/n
 140102
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5689

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N64959. Delivered on 27 May 1980. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 1987 and 1991. With 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1993 and April 1995. Back to 407 Sdn. By August 2004, still there in October 2005. To Curacao, Dutch Antilles, for first part of Exercise Joint Caribbean Lion, May 2006. With 14 Wing at this time. To RAF Kinloss in May 2007, for Exercise Neptune Warrior 071. On display at Geilenkirchen airshow on 17 June 2007, still with 14 Wing. Delayed several days at RAF Mildenhall, UK on return with windshield issues, departed on 24 June 2007. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood in October 2007. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 2009 and early 2012. Now on display at YTR
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189 | 2005 223

Aurora 140103

s/n
 140103
as/n
 140103
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5693

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N64854. Delivered on 14 July 1980. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991. At IMP, Halifax for overhaul in April 1995. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in May 1996, November 2003, and still there in 2006 and 2007. Took part in CNE air show, August 2008. To Lossiemouth, UK in October 2011 for NATO training exercise "Joint Warrior". With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS by July 2010, still there in early 2012. Seen at Hato, Curacao 15 to 21 January 2013.
Suffered Cat "B" damage on August 27, 2015. The a/c was taking off from 14 Wing Greenwood, NS, on a transit mission to Iqaluit, in support of Op QIMMIQ. Thunderstorms had recently passed over the airfield and the runway surfaces were wet. During the takeoff roll, the crew observed a flock of birds flying towards the runway. Perceiving a conflict and concerned about the risk of collision, the a/c comd called "Malfunction" and the pilot flying aborted the takeoff. During the abort procedure, the pilot flying the aircraft rapidly selected full reverse on all four propellers. Both propellers on the left side of the aircraft went into full reverse; however, both propellers on the right side of the a/c continued to produce forward thrust, resulting in asymmetric thrust pushing the aircraft left of the runway centreline. The crew was not successful at keeping the a/c on the runway and it departed off the left side of the runway, approximately 1000 ft before the departure end. The propellers contacted a runway distance marker and a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) light. The a/c plowed through the soft earth and the nose gear collapsed, causing the inside propeller on the right side of the a/c to strike the ground and break away from the engine. After the a/c came to a stop, all personnel on board exited the aircraft safely; only minor injuries were incurred.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-July-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   2015-August-27 Accident Category B 2021-12-17
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140104

s/n
 140104
as/n
 140104
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5697

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N64959. Delivered on 27 May 1980. First Aurora accepted by Canadian Forces. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1980 and 1991, still there April 1995. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in July 1996, back to Greenwood by July 2000. To Curacao, Dutch Antilles, for second part of Exercise Joint Caribbean Lion, June 2006. Was with 14 Wing at Greenwood at that time Stilll at Greenwood in October 2007. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012. Took part in Canadian National Airshow at Toronto in September 2012. Seen at Lossiemouth, UK in April 2015.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-May-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140105

s/n
 140105
as/n
 140105
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5704

Known Squadron Assignments: 407;14 Wing

Carried US registration N4007A for company tests. Delivered on 1 August 1980. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 1991, 1994, and in April 1995. With 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in June 1999 and January 2004. Carried special markings in June 1999, coded "LQ*Y", replicating war time markings of 405 Squadron. Codes removed by January 2000. Back with 407 Squadron in August 2001. At CFB Greenwood in January 2004. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in June 2006 and October 2007. Deployed to Mediterranean in Spring of 2008, based at Lann-Bihoue, France. Reported operating in the Mediterranean area in March 2011. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-July-08 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140106

s/n
 140106
as/n
 140106
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5706

Known Squadron Assignments: 407;14 Wing

Company tests as N40035. Delivered on 9 September 1980. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in May 1994 and April 1995. Back with 14 Wing at Greenwood in October 2000, August 2001, still there in 2006. Visited Ottawa International Airport on 14 June 2007. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood in October 2007. Received AIMP Block II upgrade by mid 2009, when it was serving with 405 (MP) Squadron at CFB Greenwood. Flew in the Canadian International Air Show at Toronto in September 2011. With 407 Squadron at CFB Comox in October 2011. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-July-21 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189 | 2005 222

Aurora 140107

s/n
 140107
as/n
 140107
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5708

Known Squadron Assignments: 14 Wing; 407

Carried US registration N4006S for company tests. Delivered on 9 October 1980. This a/c received a special paint scheme consisting of "sharkmouth" markings on each of the engines for the 1987 Fincastle ASW Competition. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood in April 1995. At Comox in August 1997, back at Greenwood by October 2000, still there in September 2001. Used as development aircraft for NFIMP upgrade. At 14 Wing in October 2007 and July 2008. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in April 2010 and early 2012. On display at Hamilton International Airshow, June 2013, still in 407 Squadron markings. With 405 Squadron at CFB Greenwood in November 2013. Now on display at YQQ.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-August-20 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
   2016 Struck off Strength exact date unknown; preserved at 19 Wing Comox Air Force Museum 2021-12-17
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140108

s/n
 140108
as/n
 140108
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5709

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N4008R. Delivered on 9 November 1980. Left the runway during practice engine out landing at CFB Greenwood in early 1990s. Repaired and returned to service, but has a reputation for needing excessive aileron trim since this incident. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991. With 407 Squadron at CFB Comox in October 1992. Back with 14 Wing at Greenwood in November 1992 and April 1995. At Comox in May 1997. At Greenwood September 1998, November 2005, and October 2007. Operated over southern Ontario during G8 and G20 meetings in June 2010, using callsign "Spectre 108". Seen at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in May 2011. With No.14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012. First a/c to receive Block 4 BLOS (satellite) communication system, Link 16 tactical data-link and self-defence protection suite.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-October-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189 | 2005 219

Aurora 140109

s/n
 140109
as/n
 140109
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5711

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Carried US registration N4009K for company tests. Delivered on 13 November 1980. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 1981. With 14 Wing at Greenwood in 1986. Back at Comox in 1987. At Greenwood in November 1990, 1991, and April 1993. At IMP Group at Halifax for overhaul in April 1995. At Comox in 2001. Based at NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Italy in November 2004 for Operation Sirius, tracking suspected terrorist vessels in the Mediterranean. Back to 407 Sdn. by August 2005. To RAF Kinloss in the UK September 2007, for Exercise Neptune Warrior 072. Reported with 14 Wing at Greenwood in October 2007. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 2009 and early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-October-10 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140110

s/n
 140110
as/n
 140110
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5712

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N4835U. Delivered on 5 February 1981. With 407 Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in August 1990. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991, still there April 1995. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in October 2005, and October 2007. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in 2008 and early 2012. At Lossiemouth, UK in April 2013 for exercise Joint Warrior. On static display at Abbotsford air show in August 2015, with 407 Squadron.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-November-07 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 189

Aurora 140111

s/n
 140111
as/n
 140111
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5714

Known Squadron Assignments: 407;14 Wing

Carried US registration N64996 for company tests. Delivered on 9 January 1981. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1980 and 1991. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in August 1991 and April 1995. Received 405 Squadron markings plus an eagle head painted the front fuselage for the 2001 Fincastle ASW competition at Edinburgh, Australia. Seen at RAF Kinloss in October 2006, taking part in training exercise Neptune Warrior 063. With 14 Wing at Greenwood at that time, still there in October 2007 and in early 2012. Seen at Keflavik, Iceland in May 2014, probably escorting CF-18s deploying to eastern Europe. Second a/c to receive Block 4 BLOS (satellite) communication system, Link 16 tactical data-link and self-defence protection suite.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-December-11 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

Aurora 140112

s/n
 140112
as/n
 140112
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5715

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Carried US registration N64854 for company tests. Delivered on 26 January 1981. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 1991, April 1995, and August 1998. With 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in 2001. Still there in July 2003, carrying 405 (MP) Squadron markings. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in May and October 2007. First aircraft to receive ASLEP (Aurora Structural Life Extension Project) upgrades, including new wing and tail skins. Rolled out at IMP at Enfield, NS on 9 December 2011. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in early 2012. With 405 Squadron at CFB Greenwood in November 2013.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1980-December-31 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

Aurora 140113

s/n
 140113
as/n
 140113
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5717

Known Squadron Assignments: 407;14 Wing

Carried US registration N4007A for company tests. Delivered on 26 February 1981. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991, still there in 1993 and April 1995. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 2002 and October 2005. Took part in 2005 Abbotsford air show. Visited RAF Kinloss in the UK on 22 September 2006. Still with 407 Sdn. at that time. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in October 2007. At Greenwood by 2009. Seen at Cambridge, UK in August 2011. Used in Operation Mobile, Canda's contribution to NATO operations over Libya in 2011. Returned to Canada via Prestwick on 2 November 2011. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-January-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

Aurora 140114

s/n
 140114
as/n
 140114
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5719

Known Squadron Assignments: 14 Wing; 407

Carried US registration N40035 for company tests. Delivered on 12 March 1981. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991, still there in April 1995. Carried Second World War memorial markings, including RAF style roundels on fuselage and 415 Squadron code "GX*N", for the 75th anniversary of the RCAF in summer of 1999. Took part in Canadian National Exhibition air show in 2005. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood at that time. Seen at NAS North Island in April 2007, with 407 Squadron at CFB Comox, BC. Back to 14 Wing at Greenwood April 2007, still there in October 2007. Delivered to 14 Wing on 27 September 2011 after becoming first aircraft to receive Block-III upgrades to the mission computer system. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in 2008 and early 2012. Visited Lossiemouth, UK in October 2015, to search for reported Russian submarine in area. Returned to Canada 27 November 2015.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-January-27 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

Aurora 140115

s/n
 140115
as/n
 140115
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5720

Known Squadron Assignments: 14 Wing; 407

Carried US registration N64959 for company tests. Delivered on 2 April 1981. Delivered on 2 April 1981. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1991, still there in April 1995. Visited Kinloss, UK in June 2006. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood at that time. To RAF Kinloss in May 2007, for second week of Exercise Neptune Warrion 071. Still with 14 Wing in October 2007. Seen at Yellowknife, NWT in February 2008. To Hawaii in July 2008 for RIMPAC exercise. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in July 2008 and early 2012. Visited RNAS Culdrose, UK on 25 February 2013. First conversion to CP-140M with satellite communications system, delivered by IMP in December 2014. One of three a/c to receive Block 3 (interim) iBLOS (satellite) communication system and deployed on Op IMPACT in Middle East.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-March-02 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

Aurora 140116

s/n
 140116
as/n
 140116
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5722

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N4006S. Delivered on 9 June 1981 (also reported as 11 May 1981?). At Comox in Juune 1981. Based at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1987 and 1991. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in February 1994 and April 1995. Back to 14 Wing at Greenwood by December 1996. At Comox in February 2000. Back to 14 Wing at Greenwood by October 2005, still there in September 2006 and October 2007. To UK for NATO exercise in April 2008. To Curacao, Dutch West Indies, in April 2009, to provide security for Summit of the Americas in nearby Trinidad. Reported used in Operation Mobile, Canada's contribution to UN operations over Libya in 2011, not confirmed. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012. At Luechars, UK in October 2012. Back in the UK, at Lossiemouth, in April 2013 for exercise Joint Warrior.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-March-26 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190 | 2005 219

Aurora 140117

s/n
 140117
as/n
 140117
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5723

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Company tests as N4008R. Delivered on 9 June 1981. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in June 1981, 1990 and 1991. With 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in April 1995 and in 1998. With 407 Sqn in Comox and received a special paint scheme consisting of a stylized red & white maple leaf on V-Stab with superimposed 407 Sqn crest for the 1997 Fincastle ASW Competition. Took part in air show at Nordholz, Germany on 27 and 28 August 2006, with 405 Squadron at that time. Returned to Canada via Brize Norten, UK. Seen at RAF Kinloss on 25 October 2006, taking part in training exercise Neptune Warrior 063, replacing 140111 part way through the exercise. Still with 14 Wing at Greenwood at that time. Seen at RAF Lyneham, UK in August 2007. Took part in flying display at Little Gransden Air Show, 26 August 2007. Still with 14 Wing in October 2007. On display at USN celebrations at North Island, California in early 2011, still with 14 Wing. Operational in the Mediterranean in March 2011, in support of UN operations around Libya. One of three a/c to receive Block 3 (interim) iBLOS (satellite) communication system and deployed on Op IMPACT in Middle East. With No. 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-May-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190 | 2005 219

Aurora 140118

s/n
 140118
as/n
 140118
m/d
 285B
c/n
 285B‑5725

Known Squadron Assignments: 407; 14 Wing

Carried US registration N4009K for company tests. Delivered on 10 July 1981. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in 1981 and 1991. With 14 Wing at CFB Greenwood, NS in 1993 and April 1995. Took part in 2006 Abbotsford Air Show, August 2006, back with 407 Sdn. Carried special markings in 2006 for 65th anniversary of the RCAF. Detached to RAF Station Kinloss, UK in June 2007 for several days. Reported with 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in June and October 2007 and 2008. Seen at IMP hangers at Halifax International Airport in September 2009. Seen at Kinloss, UK in October 2010. With 407 (MP) Squadron at CFB Comox, BC in early 2012.
last update: 2024-September-22
   1981-June-05 Taken on Strength 2019-08-20
📙 JA Griffin (2005:Smith, Castle): 2005 190

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