VARIG 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.

Brazil's first airline was founded on May 7, 1927 as VARIG Airlines (Viacao Aerea RIo Grandense Airlines). Domestic flights began in July 1927 with international service in 1942 and trans-Atlantic service in 1969. One of the 14 VARIG L-188s first flew in 1959 for American Airlines as s/n 1025 and registered as N6104A. The aircraft was obtained by VARIG on August 30 1962 as PP-VJM and on May 7, 1992 was donated to Museo Aeroespacial in Rio de Janeiro and wears the full Varig colors.

Specifications Lockheed Electra L-188A

Performance
Engines ' (4) Allison 501-D13 @ 3,750 hp at take-off
Fuel Capacity ' 5,520 gallons
Maximum Speed ' 448 mph
Cruise Speed ' 373 mph
Maximum Altitude - 28,400 ft
Range ' 2,200 miles

Weight
Maximum Take-off ' 113,000 lbs

Dimensions
Length ' 104 ft 6 ins.
Wingspan ' 99 ft