Air Express

The Lockheed Air Express, introduced in 1934, was a pivotal single‑engine transport that helped shape early American airmail and cargo operations. Designed by a young Kelly Johnson, the high‑wing monoplane featured an all‑metal stressed‑skin fuselage, a 330‑hp Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engine, and a spacious, box‑like cargo compartment accessed through a large side door. Its fixed landing gear and robust construction allowed operation from rough airfields, while a cruising speed of about 155 mph and a range of 750 miles gave operators practical flexibility for regional routes. Initially ordered by corporate mail carriers such as Western Air Express, the type quickly proved reliable for both freight and passenger service, seating up to three passengers in a modest cabin. The Air Express set a standard for rugged, low‑cost utility aircraft and demonstrated Lockheed’s ability to translate military‑grade engineering into commercial success. Its production run of roughly 35 units paved the way for the more famous Model 10 Electra, establishing design principles—high wing, reliable powerplant, and simple maintenance—that became hallmarks of Lockheed’s later transport fleet. Even after retirement, several Air Express examples survived in museums, preserving an example of early streamlined cargo design that continues to inspire modern short‑haul transports.

Lockheed Corporation

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification