Lockheed JetStar
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| Lockheed JetStar | |
|---|---|
| Type | Business jet |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Corporation |
| First flight | 4 September 1957 |
| Introduced | 1961 |
| Status | In limited service |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 202 |
Lockheed JetStar. The Lockheed JetStar is a pioneering American business jet designed and produced by the Lockheed Corporation. It was the first dedicated business jet to enter service and one of the largest of its class, notable for its distinctive four-engine configuration and a spacious, pressurized cabin. The aircraft served a wide range of operators, from corporate fleets and heads of state to the United States Air Force, where it was known as the C-140.
Development and design
The program was initiated by Lockheed in response to a 1956 United States Air Force requirement for a utility transport. The design team, led by renowned engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson of the famed Skunk Works, initially developed a twin-engine aircraft. However, concerns over Federal Aviation Administration regulations for twin-engine overwater flight prompted a redesign to incorporate four smaller engines, specifically the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbojets. The prototype, powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT12 turbojets, first flew from the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California. Production models were subsequently fitted with four Pratt & Whitney JT12 engines, mounted in unique paired pods on the aft fuselage. The aircraft featured a T-tail configuration, a swept wing, and a cabin that could typically be configured for 10 passengers, setting a standard for large-cabin business jets.
Operational history
The JetStar entered service in 1961 with Lockheed's own corporate flight department. It quickly became a status symbol for major corporations and wealthy individuals, with early customers including the Ford Motor Company and Pan American World Airways. Its most significant military operator was the United States Air Force, which purchased 16 aircraft under the designations C-140A for Air Force One support and Air Mobility Command logistics, and C-140B for the Air Force Systems Command to calibrate airways and navigational aids. The aircraft was also used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for astronaut transport and by numerous foreign governments, including the Royal Canadian Air Force and the government of Mexico. The JetStar remained in production until 1978, with its longevity attributed to a major upgrade program that resulted in the JetStar II.
Variants
The primary variants were defined by their powerplants. The initial production model was the JetStar, powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT12 turbojets. The significantly improved JetStar II was introduced in 1976, featuring more powerful and efficient Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines, which greatly increased range and reduced noise. The military versions comprised the United States Air Force's C-140A Light transport and C-140B Airways and Air Communications Service aircraft. A one-off JetStar 6 was built with an elongated fuselage, and Lockheed also proposed a JetStar 8 with different engines, though it was not produced.
Operators
Primary civil operators included major corporations such as The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, and IBM. It was a favored transport for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Government and military operators were extensive, led by the United States Air Force. The German Air Force operated several as VIP transports, and the Royal Saudi Air Force also flew the type. Other state users included the governments of Libya under Muammar Gaddafi, Jordan, and Taiwan. The Mexican Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration were also notable operators.
Specifications (JetStar II)
* **Crew:** 2 pilots + 1 attendant * **Capacity:** 8–10 passengers * **Length:** 60 ft 5 in * **Wingspan:** 54 ft 5 in * **Height:** 20 ft 5 in * **Empty weight:** 24,750 lb * **Max takeoff weight:** 44,500 lb * **Powerplant:** 4 × Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines * **Maximum speed:** 570 mph * **Range:** 3,190 miles * **Service ceiling:** 45,000 ft
Accidents and incidents
The JetStar was involved in several notable accidents. In 1967, a United States Air Force C-140B crashed near Keesler Air Force Base, killing all on board. A 1973 accident involved a corporate JetStar striking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda. In 1985, a Motorola-owned aircraft crashed on approach to Tucson International Airport due to pilot error. A particularly high-profile incident occurred in 1999 when a JetStar carrying professional golfer Payne Stewart suffered a catastrophic decompression and crashed in South Dakota, leading to significant changes in aviation safety regulations regarding hypoxia. Another fatal crash occurred in 2004 near Montgomery, Alabama.