[4][5] Contra-rotating rotors on a vertical axis in the tail provided fore-and-aft (pitch) control during hovering and transitional flight.

The propulsion and lifting propellers were handed (i.e. revolved in opposite directions) and were interconnected by shafts through a central gearbox from which the tail rotors and accessories were also driven.

The thrust from the propellers was matched automatically except when over-ridden by the pilot for lateral (roll) control in slow or hovering flight.

To provide crisp thrust control during hover, movement of the power lever caused a direct adjustment of blade angle, analogous to the collective pitch control of a helicopter, with the propeller CPU governor making a follow-up adjustment of blade angle to maintain the selected rpm.

The combination of smooth aerodynamics and simple power control made it easy for fixed-wing pilots to perform transitions between hover and wing-down modes on their first flight in the CL-84.

Atkins was dispatched on a cross-country tour that took a CL-84-1 to Washington DC where he landed on the White House lawn, Norfolk, Virginia, Edwards Air Force Base and eventually full trials on USS Guam.

The CL-84-1 performed flawlessly, demonstrating versatility in a wide range of onboard roles, including troop deployment, radar surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

Fitted with a General Electric SUU 11A/A pod with a 7.62 mm minigun, Adkins maintained a rock-steady position as he sprayed a ground target.

[9] Continuing Tripartite trials by Canadian, US (Navy/Marine) and RAF evaluation pilots at the US Navy's Patuxent River Experimental Test Center showed that the CL-84-1 was a suitable multi-mission aircraft.

[10] The end of the Vietnam War meant a scaling back on military requirements, but Canadair designer Fred Phillips had been cognizant of other factors gravitating against the "84."

Canadair had tried unsuccessfully to sell the aircraft to other countries including Germany, Holland, Italy, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom with no orders being placed.

CX8403 was never flown and was donated to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, where it was restored and is now on display as part of the permanent collection.