This limited release is crafted from the fuselage of the one-and-only Conroy Skymonster (Canadair CL-44-O “Guppy”). Built in 1961 as CL-44D4 N447T, the aircraft spent eight years in international cargo service before Jack Conroy transformed it into the Skymonster in 1969.
We salvaged original fuselage material just before teardown and upcycled it in Cologne into collectible aircraft tags. The edition currently comes in either silver or blue, directly cut from the Skymonster’s skin. Scratches, paint chips, and irregularities are part of the story – authentic marks of its 50+ years in service.
The conversion itself was extraordinary: the CL-44’s fuselage was split and expanded into a massive bulbous “bubble,” creating a cargo hold so oversized it could carry loads no other aircraft could – a transformation attempted only once in aviation history.
Note: Each Aviationtag in this edition is a true one-of-a-kind. The tags differ depending on their position on the aircraft in color shade, surface texture, feel, and material thickness. Small scratches, irregularities, or signs of wear reflect the decades of service of the Canadair CL-44D4 N447T, which was transformed by Jack Conroy in 1969 into the unique Skymonster. As the aircraft was repainted during its museum years, this edition reveals either the exposed silver surfaces of the original fuselage or striking blue sections from its HeavyLift livery.
The Skymonster was dismantled in 2024 at Bournemouth. To preserve the original structure, we carefully segmented the fuselage and brought it to Cologne. Please note: The black engraving may wear off over time if subjected to use. For use as a keychain or luggage tag, we therefore strongly recommend the Aviationtag Cover to protect both the surface and the engraving.
Conroy Skymonster: The Skymonster was a spectacular conversion of a Canadair CL-44 with a massively enlarged upper fuselage. It was purpose-built to transport outsized loads such as Rolls-Royce RB.211 engines for the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar program. Its first flight took place in 1969 – and it has remained the only example ever built. With its distinctive “bubble” shape, it is considered one of the most extraordinary freighters in aviation history.
Scale:
n.a.
Dimensions: see
this page
Material: mainly metal
Brand: Aviationtag
Nr: N447FT-Red
In stock:
future release, release date unknown
Added to website: 2025-11-17
