Hudson (aircraft)

Hudson (aircraft). The Lockheed Hudson was a military adaptation of the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner, developed rapidly in 1938 to meet an urgent British requirement for a coastal reconnaissance and light bomber aircraft. It became one of the most important American-built aircraft in Royal Air Force service during the early years of World War II, serving extensively in roles ranging from anti-submarine warfare to air-sea rescue. Its robust design and reliable performance made it a versatile asset for the Allied forces across multiple theaters of the conflict.

Development and design

The Hudson's genesis stemmed from a direct purchasing mission by the British Purchasing Commission in 1938, which sought modern aircraft to bolster the Royal Air Force ahead of the anticipated war with Nazi Germany. Lockheed proposed a militarized version of its successful Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra, a design that impressed officials including Sir Henry Self. An initial order for 200 aircraft was placed in June 1938, a record for an American aircraft at the time. The conversion involved adding a bomb bay in the lower fuselage, defensive machine gun positions in a Boulton Paul-designed dorsal turret and a ventral hatch, and provisions for maritime patrol equipment. Powered by two Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engines, the prototype, designated Model B14L, first flew from Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California on 10 December 1938.

Operational history

The Hudson entered service with Coastal Command in 1939, achieving the Royal Air Force's first aerial victory of the war by shooting down a Luftwaffe Dornier Do 18 flying boat over the North Sea in October. It played a critical role in the Battle of the Atlantic, hunting German submarines and providing cover for Allied convoys. During the Norwegian Campaign and the Battle of France, Hudsons conducted bombing and reconnaissance missions. In the Pacific War, they served with the Royal Australian Air Force and were among the first Allied aircraft to engage Japanese forces following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Notably, a Hudson of No. 8 Squadron RAAF is credited with sinking the Japanese submarine I-124 in January 1942. The type also saw widespread use as a trainer, transport, and with the United States Army Air Forces as the A-28 and A-29.

Variants

The primary variants were defined by engine type and armament. The Hudson I and II (Wright R-1820-G102A) were the initial production models for the Royal Air Force. The Hudson III introduced a ventral gun position and more powerful G205A engines, while the Hudson IIIA was the designation for those supplied under the Lend-Lease program to the United States Army Air Forces as the A-28. The Hudson IV and V featured Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp engines. The Hudson VI was another Lend-Lease variant for the USAAF, designated A-28A. Specialized versions included the Hudson C.Mk I transport and various trainer conversions. The design evolution directly led to the more powerful Lockheed Ventura.

Operators

The primary military operator was the Royal Air Force, which used the aircraft extensively in Coastal Command, Bomber Command, and Training Command. The Royal Canadian Air Force employed it in the Battle of the Atlantic and for training duties. The Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force operated Hudsons in the South West Pacific. Under Lend-Lease, the United States Army Air Forces used them as the A-28/A-29 and AT-18 trainer. Other operators included the Fleet Air Arm, the South African Air Force, the Força Aérea Portuguesa, and the Brazilian Air Force. Post-war, many were converted for civilian use as airliners or executive transports.

Specifications (Hudson Mk III)

* **Crew:** 5 (pilot, co-pilot/navigator, bomb-aimer, radio operator, gunner) * **Length:** 44 ft 4 in (13.51 m) * **Wingspan:** 65 ft 6 in (19.96 m) * **Height:** 11 ft 10 in (3.61 m) * **Empty weight:** 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Wright R-1820-G205A Cyclone 9-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,200 hp (890 kW) each * **Maximum speed:** 246 mph (396 km/h, 214 kn) at 6,500 ft (2,000 m) * **Range:** 1,960 mi (3,150 km, 1,700 nmi) * **Service ceiling:** 25,000 ft (7,600 m) * **Armament:** 5 × .303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns (2 fixed nose, 2 in dorsal turret, 1 ventral); up to 1,600 lb (750 kg) of bombs or depth charges

Category:Military aircraft of World War II Category:Maritime patrol aircraft Category:United States bomber aircraft 1930–1939