Lockheed Electra 10-A
Lockheed · United States · first flew 1934 · transport aircraft
The Lockheed Electra Model 10 was a twin-engined all-metal airliner that restored Lockheed's fortunes in 1934 and established the company as a serious airliner manufacturer. It was the first Lockheed design to feature twin tail fins and the retractable undercarriage that would characterise subsequent designs.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Oval fuselage cross-section with circular windows |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engined all-metal low-wing monoplane with twin fins and rudders
- Oval fuselage cross-section with circular windows
- Retractable undercarriage with large engine nacelles
The twin oval tail fins, low tapered wing with engines in prominent nacelles, circular cabin windows, and smooth all-metal construction distinguish the Electra from its more angular contemporaries.
Specifications
- The Lockheed Electra 10-A has a length of 11.76 m (39 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.76 m (55 ft).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in February 1934, the Electra 10 entered service with Northwest Airlines and several other carriers. The 10-A used Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior engines. Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan were flying a modified Electra 10E on their attempted round-the-world flight when they disappeared over the Pacific in July 1937.
Variants
The Model 10 was produced in five sub-variants (A through E) with different engine choices including Pratt & Whitney and Wright powerplants; the larger Super Electra Model 14 was a direct development.
Where you'll see it
Electra 10s served with numerous airlines across North America, Australia and Europe through the late 1930s, and military examples were used by the USAAC and several foreign air forces for liaison and transport duties.
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