The CA 374-74 "SkySwift" Regional Jet
The CA 374-74 was designed by Consolidated Aerospace (CA) as a "bridge" aircraft—a regional jet with the ruggedness of a turboprop but the speed of a mainline narrow-body jet.
1. Technical Specifications
Role: Medium-range Regional Airliner.
Passenger Capacity: 74 passengers (2-2 seating configuration).
Powerplant: 2x CA-74 "Whirlwind" High-Bypass Turbofans, providing roughly 14,500 lbf of thrust each.
Performance:
Cruise Speed: Mach 0.74 (approx. 490 mph) at 32,000 ft.
Max Speed: Mach 0.82 (at high altitude).
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft.
Range: 1,850 nmi (fully loaded).
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 84 ft (25.6m).
Length: 92 ft (28.1m).
Height: 24 ft (7.3m).
2. Design Features for SimplePlanes
STOL Performance: Inspired by the Antonov An-74, the "74" in its name refers to its advanced Short Take-Off and Landing capabilities, allowing it to operate from unpaved or short 4,000-ft runways.
The "Double-Bubble" Fuselage: Use fuselage blocks to create a double-bubble cross-section, providing more shoulder room for passengers.
Scimitar Winglets: For maximum efficiency in SimplePlanes, add thin, angled scimitar wingtips to reduce drag.
3. Fictional History: The "74" Revolution
Originally codenamed "Project 374," the aircraft was a response to the "Regional Jet Revolution" of the late 1990s. While competitors like the CRJ700 focused on speed, the CA 374-74 was built for high-altitude, "thin" routes—connecting small mountain towns to major hubs. It earned the nickname "The Mountain Goat" for its ability to climb quickly out of steep valleys.