Lockheed C-60 Lodestar  

 Lockheed C-60 Lodestar

The Lockheed 18 Lodestar was the last twin-engine transport designed by Lockheed. The prototype, a Lockheed 14 Super Electra lengthened by five feet, flew on the 21st of September, 1939. Designed for the commercial market, Lockheed found domestic sales slow due to previous commitments by airlines to buy the DC-3. A total of 96 were ordered by foreign airlines in Canada, Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, the UK and Venezuela. The first military orders for the Lodestar came from the US Navy. In 1940, the Navy ordered three variants, an executive transport carrying seven, a personnel transport carrying 14, and a paratroop transport carrying 18. In 1941, the USAAC had 13 Lodestars built and designated them the C-57. In addition, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a number of civilian Lodestars were requisitioned and designated the C-56. Between 1942 and 1943, the USAAC acquired 324 C-60As, 18-seat paratroop transports. Some of these C-60s were passed on to the UK and Commonwealth forces. They were operated as medium-range transports. After the war, some Lodestars were converted into executive aircraft, while others went to work for small freight operators.

 Specifications

Full Name

Lockheed 18 Lodestar

Type

Personnel and Cargo Transport

Origin

USA

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Wingspan

19.96 m

Length

15.19 m

Height

3.38 m

Weight

Empty: 5284 kg

Maximum Speed

407 km/h

Range

2575 km

Engine

2 x 1200 hp Wright R-1820-71

Armament

none

Crew

3

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