Lockheed Model 9E Orion

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1932 · light aircraft

The Lockheed Model 9E Orion is a later production variant in the Orion family with a refined engine selection, continuing the line of variants that offered American carriers a choice of powerplant in this groundbreaking airliner.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Wooden barrel fuselage with smooth skin
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Late-series Orion with uprated radial engine
Pioneering retractable undercarriage commercial monoplane
Wooden barrel fuselage with smooth skin

Externally identical to all other Orion variants; the overall Orion recognition profile — retractable-gear low-wing monoplane with NACA-cowled radial — applies to the 9E.

Specifications

The Lockheed Model 9E 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 9E was built in small numbers alongside other Orion variants. By the time the later 9E and 9F aircraft were completed, the introduction of all-metal monoplane airliners was already making the wooden Orion family obsolete commercially.

Variants

Precedes the 9F and 9F-1 in the production sequence; the Orion family ended production around 1933 with approximately 35 aircraft of all variants built.

Where you'll see it

Limited domestic US service; examples may have passed through several operators during their short commercial careers.

Related aircraft

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