Lockheed JetStar
The Lockheed L- 1329 JetStar ( military designation: Lockheed C -140 ) is one of the first business jets and one of the few with four engines. It is a low-wing aircraft with a pressurized cabin and a retractable landing gear. Outstanding exterior features are the cross-tail, the four jet engines at the rear and the auxiliary tanks, through which pass the wings.
History
The development of the L- 1329 was started in 1956 on an alert issued by the U.S. Air Force for a light transport aircraft. The start of the development was announced in March 1957. The first flight took place on 4 September 1957. Both prototypes were equipped with two Bristol Orpheus, each with 20.3 kN of thrust. Since there is no license agreement for the production in the U.S. came about, had in December 1959 JT12A -6 Install each with 10.7 kN thrust into one of the prototype Lockheed as a substitute four Pratt & Whitney. This was the reason for the unique design with four engines, which were mounted on the right and left of the rear of the aircraft. The first production aircraft flew in the summer of 1960 and the aviation authorization has been the pattern in August 1961 granted.
From mid-1963 more powerful engines Pratt & Whitney JT12A -6A ( 11.4 kN) were used. January 1967 for the first time flew a version with Pratt & Whitney JT12A -8 engines, which produce 14.7 kN thrust. Additionally, improved brakes with anti- skid system (ABS ) and a device to extend the landing gear in an emergency by compressed air, can installed. The aviation authorization of that execution was issued July 6, 1967. It has also made it possible to convert earlier versions of this state.
With the publication of Garrett AiResearch TFE731 -3 with 16.45 kN, a new version was created this aircraft to reduce noise and fuel consumption. At the same time the starting weight could be increased.
The development of this pattern with the name Lockheed L- 1329-25 Jetstar II began in October 1972. In the spring of 1975 began with the construction of the first machine, which launched its maiden flight on 18 August 1976. The Type Certificate was issued by the FAA on December 14, 1976. Between 1976 and 1979, 40 were built.
Garrett AiResearch offered a conversion kit and the first of JT- 12 refitted TFE731 -3 machine was launched on 10 July 1974. The first retrofitted customer's machine was launched on 18 March 1976 for its maiden flight.
Military use
Five aircraft, with the military designation C - 140A were purchased by the Communications Service of the U.S. Air Force to check navigation aids. The first of these machines were delivered in the summer of 1962.
Eleven machines were provided by the U.S. Air Force for transporting people. The first deliveries were completed in winter 1961. 6 machines have been performed for VIP transport with a device for 3 pilots and 8 passengers, 5 machines with a seating capacity of 13 passengers.
Even Canada and Germany took advantage of the L- 1329 as a VIP aircraft.
A total of 204 pieces of JetStar were built.
Military user
- Air force
- Air force
- United States Air Force