This experimental "tilt-wing" design was an attempt to produce an aircraft that would combine vertical take-off-and-landing with a low-speed, fixed-wing capability. Four CL-84s were constructed and this one with registration CX8402 is the third prototype, manufactured by Canadair Limited in Montreal in 1969.

The third of four CL-84s built (1 company prototype and 3 improved production CL-84-1s for the Air Force). The CL-84 was tested by the Canadian Air Force and Canadair from 1971 - 72 and jointly with the Royal Air Force and the US Navy in 1972 - 74. Two aircraft were lost during testing due to mechanical failures, with this surviving aircraft being donated to the Canada Air and Space museum in 1984. The last aircraft built never flew and was until recently, displayed at Western Canada Aviation Museum, Winnipeg, MB.