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The Lockheed C-59 was the designation given to Hornet powered Model 18 Lodestars originally produced for Britain, some of which were impressed by the USAAF during the Second World War.
The Lodestar was similar in layout to most Lockheed transport aircraft of the inter-war years. It had low mounted tapered wings, with a moderate dihedral. The fuselage had flat sides, and a rather more pointed nose than earlier models. It had a high mounted tail, with twin vertical control surfaces at the ends. The standard version had a row of small cockpit windows on both sides, and a cabin door towards the rear of the left side of the aircraft.
Ten Model 18-07s, powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-1690-25 Hornet engine, were impressed. It was originally planned to give all ten to the RAF under Lend-Lease, where they were known as the Lodestar Mk.IA. However the first three were kept by the USAAF and only seven went to the RAF.
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1690-25 Hornets
Power: 875hp each
Crew: 2
Wing span: 65ft 6in
Length: 49ft 10in
Height: 11ft 10in
Empty weight: 11,290lb
Gross weight: 17,500lb
Max Payload: 6,210lb or 16 passengers
Cruising speed: 236mph
Service ceiling: 20,400ft
Normal range: 1,800ft
Lockheed Aircraft Since 1913, René J Francillon