Lockheed TriStar

Lockheed TriStar
Type	Wide-body jet airliner
Manufacturer	Lockheed Corporation
First flight	November 16, 1970
Introduced	April 26, 1972 with Eastern Air Lines
Status	In limited service
Primary user	Delta Air Lines (historical)
Produced	1968–1984
Number built	250
Unit cost	$20M (L-1011-1, 1972)

Lockheed TriStar. The Lockheed L-1011 TriStar is a medium-to-long-range, wide-body trijet airliner developed by the Lockheed Corporation in the late 1960s and 1970s. It was one of the second generation of wide-body airliners, competing directly with the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. Notable for its advanced fly-by-wire control system and innovative Active Control technology, it entered service with Eastern Air Lines in 1972 and was praised for its quiet, comfortable cabin and technical sophistication.

Development and design

The program was launched in 1968 following a crucial order from Eastern Air Lines, with American Airlines also providing early input that shaped the aircraft's dimensions. Lockheed partnered with Rolls-Royce Limited to develop the advanced Rolls-Royce RB211 high-bypass turbofan engine, a decision that later caused severe financial strain due to the engine's development problems and the subsequent bankruptcy of Rolls-Royce Limited in 1971. The aircraft incorporated numerous pioneering technologies, including a sophisticated Autoland system certified for Category III conditions, which allowed for fully automated landings in near-zero visibility. Its design featured a unique "Ducted Tail Cone" or S-duct for the center engine, improving aerodynamic efficiency. The development was headquartered at Lockheed's facilities in Burbank, California, with final assembly in Palmdale, California.

Operational history

The first commercial flight occurred on April 26, 1972, on an Eastern Air Lines route between Miami and New York City. Delta Air Lines became the largest and most loyal operator, building a substantial fleet that served for decades on domestic and transatlantic routes. Other significant operators included Trans World Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and British Airways. While technologically acclaimed, its market success was hampered by the financial troubles of Rolls-Royce Limited, a limited production run, and strong competition from Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. The last new aircraft was delivered in 1984, and major passenger service with carriers like Delta Air Lines concluded in the 2000s. A small number remain in service as freighters or with specialized operators.

Variants

The initial L-1011-1 was the standard model for domestic U.S. routes, primarily used by Eastern Air Lines and Delta Air Lines. The L-1011-50 was a weight-upgraded version of the -1. The L-1011-100 introduced increased fuel capacity for longer range, used by carriers like British Airways. The L-1011-200 featured more powerful Rolls-Royce RB211 engines for better hot-and-high performance, operated by Saudia. The long-range L-1011-500 was the ultimate variant, with a shortened fuselage, increased wingspan, and advanced engines for intercontinental routes; key operators were British Airways, Pan American World Airways, and Delta Air Lines. Military conversions included the TriStar Tanker for the Royal Air Force and a single airborne command post for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Operators

Major civil operators throughout its history included Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, Trans World Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Pan American World Airways, Saudia, Air Canada, and Cathay Pacific. The primary military operator was the Royal Air Force, which flew converted tanker and transport versions. Other government and cargo operators included the Royal Saudi Air Force, Orion Airways, and various charter carriers like Laker Airways. By the 2020s, operational aircraft were mostly limited to specialized cargo carriers such as Omega Air Refueling Services.

Accidents and incidents

The aircraft had a strong safety record with relatively few hull-loss accidents. The deadliest occurred on December 29, 1972, when Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades due to crew distraction, leading to major changes in Cockpit Resource Management training. On April 4, 1977, a Southern Airways Flight 242 DC-9 collided with a private aircraft, but this incident involved air traffic control and did not stem from a design flaw. A significant incident was the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985, which was a major international event. The type was also involved in a fatal crash at King Abdulaziz International Airport in 1980 involving Saudia.

Specifications (L-1011-1)

* **Crew:** 3 flight crew + cabin crew * **Capacity:** Typical 3-class layout for 256 passengers * **Length:** 54.17 m (177 ft 8 in) * **Wingspan:** 47.34 m (155 ft 4 in) * **Height:** 16.87 m (55 ft 4 in) * **Empty weight:** 109,295 kg (240,955 lb) * **Max takeoff weight:** 195,045 kg (430,000 lb) * **Powerplant:** 3 × Rolls-Royce RB211-22B turbofan engines * **Max speed:** Mach 0.95 * **Cruise speed:** Mach 0.86 * **Range:** 4,077 km (2,200 nmi) with full payload * **Service ceiling:** 13,000 m (42,000 ft)

Category:Aircraft Category:Aviation history