Lockheed Hudson

The Lockheed Hudson was a twin‑engine, low‑wing monoplane first flown in 1938 and produced by the Lockheed Corporation for both civilian and military use. Developed from the Model 14 Super Electra airliner, the Hudson was quickly adapted for the Royal Air Force and other Allied air forces as a light bomber, maritime patrol, and transport aircraft during World II. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 Twin Wasp radial engines delivering roughly 1,200 horsepower each, the aircraft could reach 225 mph and carried a useful payload of up to 1,500 lb of bombs, depth charges, or cargo, while accommodating a crew of three to five.

Key features included a rugged all‑metal airframe, retractable landing gear, and a versatile interior that could be reconfigured for passengers, freight, or medical evacuation. Its excellent range of about 1,900 km and reliable performance in harsh climates made it a workhorse for anti‑submarine warfare, convoy escort, and reconnaissance missions, especially in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The Hudson’s success demonstrated the value of adapting commercial designs for wartime needs and helped establish Lockheed’s reputation for producing dependable, multi‑role aircraft, influencing later models such as the Ventura and the iconic Lockheed Constellation. Its legacy endures as a symbol of adaptability and engineering excellence in early 20th‑century aviation.

Lockheed Corporation

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