AT-18A

The AT‑18A was a military trainer derived from Lockheed’s successful Model 18 Lodestar transport, entering service with the United States Army Air Forces in 1941. While the civilian Lodestar had proven its utility as a passenger and cargo aircraft, the Army Air Forces adapted the airframe for advanced multiengine instruction, designating the standard trainer AT‑18 and the improved, instrument‑equipped version AT‑18A. Powered by two 1,200‑horsepower Wright R‑1820 Cyclone radial engines, the aircraft featured a fully retractable landing gear, an all‑metal stressed‑skin structure, and a dual‑control cockpit that replicated the layout of contemporary bomber types. Crew stations were equipped with full navigation, radio, and flight‑instrument suites, and the airframe could accommodate up to four student pilots for tandem training sorties. The AT‑18A’s robust construction, forgiving handling characteristics, and realistic systems made it an essential bridge between single‑engine trainers and heavy bombers such as the B‑17 and B‑24. By providing reliable, high‑performance multiengine experience, the AT‑18A helped accelerate the United States’ wartime pilot output and demonstrated Lockheed’s capacity to convert commercial designs into vital military training platforms, leaving a lasting imprint on World War II aviation training methodology.

Lockheed Corporation

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