Lockheed C-60 Lodestar

(Variants/Other Names: C-56; C-57; Lockheed 18, R50-1)

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History: 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 (R50-1), a personnel transport carrying 14, and a paratroop transport carrying 18. In 1941, the US Army Air Corps 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 aircraft were passed on to the UK (RAF versions were known as the Lodestar I (C-56), Lodestar IA (C-59), and Lodestar II (C-60), and most 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. Less than 20 Lodestars are still airworthy in the USA today.

Nicknames: Unknown

Specifications:
        Engines: Two 875-hp Pratt & Whitney Hornet S1E2-G radial piston engines
        Weight: Empty 11,250 lbs., Max Takeoff 19,200 lbs.
        Wing Span: 65ft. 6in.
        Length: 49ft. 10in.
        Height: 11ft. 10in.
        Performance:
            Maximum Speed: 218 mph
            Ceiling: 20,400 ft.
            Range: 1,800 miles
        Armament: None

Number Built: 500+

Number Still Airworthy: 10-15 on US civil register. Unknown number elsewhere.

Links:
1940 Air Terminal Museum -- Lodestar N31G page
Canadian Aces Lodestar Page
Military Aircraft in Australia Site -- Lodestar page
Photovault L-60 Photo Page
RAAF Museum Lodestar A67
RCAF Lodestar page
USAF Museum C-60A Lodestar

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