Lockheed Model 9D Orion
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1931 · light aircraft
The Lockheed Model 9D Orion is a mid-series variant in the Orion family, distinguished by its engine type while sharing the same innovative airframe that made the Orion the fastest US commercial aircraft of its era.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Streamlined monocoque wooden fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Mid-series Orion with updated powerplant
- Retractable undercarriage pioneer airliner
- Streamlined monocoque wooden fuselage
Identical in external form to all other Orion variants; distinguished from its siblings only by engine details not visible at normal recognition distances.
Specifications
- The Lockheed Model 9D Orion has a length of 8.38 m (27 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.05 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 354 km/h (220 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 6 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The 9D was produced as part of Lockheed's effort to offer the Orion with multiple powerplant options to suit operator preferences and available parts. Each variant letter typically corresponded to a different engine or equipment specification.
Variants
Part of the Orion 9A–9F-1 family; the 9E and 9F followed with further engine changes.
Where you'll see it
Operated by a small number of US carriers during the early 1930s; all Orions were quickly superseded by the Boeing 247 and DC-2 generation.
Related aircraft
- Lockheed Model 9 Orion
- Lockheed Model 9A Orion Special
- Lockheed Model 9B Orion
- Lockheed Model 9E Orion
- Berliner-Joyce OJ-2
- Breda Ba.25
- Caproni Ca.113
- Fairchild 22
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