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The Lockheed C-66 was the designation given to a single Twin Wasp powered Model 18 Lodestar that was 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.
The C-66-LO was built as a Model 18-10. It was impressed by the Defence Supply Corporation while still under construction. It was powered by two 1,200hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-53 Twin Wasp engines. It was laid out as a luxury transport, with three airline seats, a three seat sofa, a removable table and a galley and toilet.
The C-66 was given to Brazil, where it was used as a transport by President Getulio Vargas, the dictator of Brazil between 1937 (when he seized power in order to avoid having to step down in 1938) to 1945, when he was overthrown in a military coup. After 1945 the C-66 served with the Brazilian Air Force.
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-53 Twin Wasp engines
Power: 1,200hp each
Crew: 2
Wing span: 65ft 6in
Length: 49ft 10in
Height: 11ft 10in
Empty weight: 11,632lb
Loaded weight:
Gross weight: 17,500lb
Max Payload: 2,164lb or 11 passengers
Lockheed Aircraft Since 1913, René J Francillon