American Airlines L-188 Electra (1:200)

In 1954 American Air Lines was in the market for a 75 to 100 passenger aircraft for its short to medium range domestic routes. In response Lockheed developed the low wing L-188 Electra powered by four sleek turboprops instead of the usual large radial engines or jet turbines. The combination of engine and the Hamilton Standard propeller offered a much more reliable and fuel efficient aircraft that could travel at 375 mph for 2000 miles at an altitude of 20,000 ' 25,000 feet. When production ended in 1961 there had been 170 Electras completed.

American Airlines specified the requirements for the new aircraft they wanted the manufacturers to build. They want a domestic aircraft of short to medium range that could accommodate 75 to 100 passengers. Four companies submitted their designs with Lockheed winning the contract. American placed an order for 35 L-188s as well as Eastern Airlines order for 40. Due to a pilot strike at American the first aircraft were delivered to Eastern Airlines. The airline operated the L-188 from 1958 to 1970.

Specifications Lockheed Electra L-188A

Performance
Engines ' (4) Allison 501-D13 @ 3,750 hp at take-off
Propellers ' 13.5 ft (4.15 m) diameter propellers ' made by either Aeroproducts or Hamilton Standard.
Fuel Capacity ' 5,520 gallons (28,895 l)
Maximum Speed ' 448 mph (720.1 km/h)
Cruise Speed ' 373 mph (600.29 km/h)
Maximum Altitude - 28,400 ft (8,656.3 m)
Range ' 2,200 miles (3,540.6 km)

Weight
Basic Operating ' 59,338 lb (26,920 kg)
Maximum Take-off ' 113,000 lbs (51,256 kg)

Dimensions
Length ' 104 ft 6 ins (31.85 m)
Wingspan ' 99 ft (30.18 m)