Nederlandse Modelbouw en Luchtvaartsite
Dutch Modelling and Aviation
Lockheed C.56/C.60 Lodestar
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History
Because of the great success of the Douglas DC-3 the Lockheed 14 Super Electra was not a commercial success for Lockheed, despite the better performance of the Super Electra. The DC-3 proofed to be more economical than the Super Electra.
The Lockheed 18 Lodestar was developed as a response to these shortcomings of the Lockheed 14. The fuselage was extended by 167.67 inches, so two additional rows of seats could be added. Lockheed hoped therefore that the Lodestar would be of more economical interest for the airlines.
The prototype, an extended Lockheed 14 Super Electra, first flew in September 1939.
The Lodestar received his (American) type certification in late March 1940. The additional seats contributed greatly to the reduction of the cost per passenger-kilometer, which came out at the same level as the DC-3.
Despite more than 30 examples were sold to American airlines the DC-3 had already obtained a large part of the market. Outside the United States were the sales were better, the NEIAF bought 29 examples: twenty Model 18-40 plus nine Model 18-50.
Several sub-types were built, mainly differing in the engines.
The USAAF and USN were the largest customers purchasing the Lodestar under the designation C-60, respectively R5O for transport of troops or paratroopers. When the United States were involved in the war, civilian aircraft were claimed under the designation C-56.
The RAF and RAAF purchased the Lodestar under Lend-lease conditions.
Production ended in January 1944 after a number of 625 lodestars being produced, the last device was intended for the USAF.
Kawasaki built a stretched version as Ki-56, of which 121 examples were used until the end of the war.
After the war the type was widely used as business aircraft and various modifications were also devised.
Versions.
- Model 18-07:
- with two Pratt & Whitney Hornet S1E2-G engines rated 875 hp each; 25 examples built plus two prototypes.
- C-56A: one claimed example with two Pratt & Whitney R-1690-54 engines.
- XR5O-1: One Model 18-07, for the US Navy for evaluation purposes, with two Wright R-1820-40 engines rated 1200 hp each.
- R5O-1: Two examples built for USN plus one for US Coast Guard; equipped with two Wright R-1820-97 rated 1200 hp each.
- C-56C: Twelve claimed Model 18-07s.
- C-59: Ten examples built for RAF with two Pratt & Whitney R-1690-25 Hornet engines; RAF designation Lodestar IA.
- R5O-2: One example of the C-59 equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1690-25 engines rated 875 hp each.
- Model 18-08:
- 33 examples built, equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp S1C3-G engines rated 1200 hp each.
- C-56D: Seven examples of claimed Model 18-08s.
- C-57B: Seven examples for transport of troops for USAF .
- Model 18-10:
- 39 examples built, equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp S1C3-G engines rated 1200 hp each.
- R5O-3: Three examples, originally for VIP transport , equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-34A rated 1200 hp each.
- Model 18-14:
- 4 examples built, equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp S4C4-G engines rated 1200 hp each.
- C-57: Model 18-14 equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-53 engines rated 1200 hp each; for USAAF
- Model 18-40:
- 26 examples built; equipped with two Wright Cyclone G-1820-G104A engines rated 1200 hp each.
- C-56B: Thirteen claimed examples with two Wright 1820-97 engines
- C-56E: Two in 1943 claimed Model 18-40s.
- Model 18-50:
- 13 examples built, equipped with two Wright Cyclone G-1820-G202A engines rated 1200 hp each.
- C-56: evaluation built for USAAF
- Model 18-56:
-
- C-60: 35 examples of Model 18-56 equipped with two Wright R-1820-87 engines; some went to RAF as Lodestar II.
- C-60A: 325 examples of the C-60, for transport for parachutists.
- C-57C: three C-60A equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-51.
- C-57D: One C-57C equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92.
- R5O-6: USN version of the C-60A for the US Marines; 35 examples built.
- XC-60B: One C-60A with experimental de-icing.
- C-57C: three C-60A equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-51.
- C-60A: 325 examples of the C-60, for transport for parachutists.
- R5O-4: Twelve examples of a Seven seat VIP version equipped with two Wright R-1820-40 rated 1200 hp each. 12 examples built.
- R5O-5: USN version equipped with two Wright R-1820-40 engines rated 1200 hp each; Further identical to R5O-4, with 14 seats. 38 examples built plus three ex NEIAF machines.
. - C-60: 35 examples of Model 18-56 equipped with two Wright R-1820-87 engines; some went to RAF as Lodestar II.
Dimensions: | |||
Length: | 15,19 m | Wingspan: | 19,96 m |
Height: | 3,6 m | Wing area: | 51,2 m2 |
Weights: | |||
Empty weight: | 5300 kg | Max. start weight: | 8000 kg |
Performances: | |||
Max. speed: | - km/hr | Climbing speed: | 8 min to 3000 m |
Cruising speed: | - km/hr | ||
Range: | 2100 km | Service ceiling: | 7140 m |
Miscellaneous: | |||
Engine type: | Two Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G105 rated 1100 hp each | ||
Crew: | Four men | ||
Passengers | 14 - 18 passengers |
Dimensions: | |||
Length: | 15,19 m | Wingspan: | 19,96 m |
Height: | 3,6 m | Wing area: | 51,2 m2 |
Weights: | |||
Empty weight: | 5300 kg | Max. start weight: | 8000 kg |
Performances: | |||
Max. speed: | - km/hr | Climbing speed: | 8 min to 3000 m |
Cruising speed: | - km/hr | ||
Range: | 2100 km | Service ceiling: | 7140 m |
Miscellaneous: | |||
Engine type: | Two Wright Cyclone GR-1820-G205A rated 1200 hp each | ||
Crew: | Four men | ||
Passengers | 14 - 18 passengers |