Lockheed JetStar

The Lockheed JetStar, introduced in 1957 and produced by the Lockheed Corporation until 1964, stands as one of the world’s first dedicated business jets. Developed from the earlier Lockheed L‑193 project, the JetStar made its maiden flight on 4 July 1957 and entered service the following year, quickly appealing to corporations, governments, and high‑profile individuals seeking fast, private air travel. Its distinctive design featured a sleek, low‑wing aluminum airframe, a circular cross‑section fuselage, and four rear‑mounted General Electric J47 turbojet engines—two on each side of the tail—providing both redundancy and a smooth, quiet cabin environment. The aircraft accommodated up to 10 passengers and a crew of two, offering a spacious interior with a flat floor, galley, and lavatory, a novelty for business aviation at the time. With a cruising speed of roughly 560 km/h (350 mph) and a range exceeding 3,300 km (2,050 nm), the JetStar enabled nonstop transcontinental trips, reshaping expectations for executive travel. Its influence extended beyond commercial use; several were modified for military liaison, electronic intelligence, and presidential transport, underscoring the JetStar’s versatile legacy and its pivotal role in establishing the modern business‑jet market.

Lockheed Corporation

Classification

Dimensions

Performance

Production & History

Design & Classification