Lockheed Corporation
Lockheed Model 10 Electra
The Lockheed Model 10 Electra, introduced in 1934 by the Lockheed Corporation, marked a decisive step forward for American twin‑engine transport aircraft. Designed under the leadership of Hall Hibbard and Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the Electra featured a sleek low‑wing monoplane layout, retractable main landing gear, and all‑metal stressed‑skin construction that combined strength with aerodynamic efficiency. Powered by two 420‑hp Wright Cyclone R-1820 radial engines, it could cruise at 190 mph, carry eight passengers or equivalent cargo, and achieve a range of roughly 700 miles—capabilities that suited both commercial airlines and corporate operators.
The Electra’s debut with Northwest Airlines and later service with American, United, and Pan Am helped establish reliable regional air travel across the United States and Canada. Its most famous pilots, Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, flew the model, underscoring its reputation for performance and safety. The aircraft also served as a testbed for numerous innovations, including early radio navigation aids and cabin pressurization experiments. Though production ceased in 1937 after 442 units, the Model 10’s design principles directly influenced the larger Lockheed Model 12 Junior Electra and the iconic Lockheed Constellation, cementing its legacy as a pivotal bridge between early biplanes and the golden age of modern airliners.
The Electra’s debut with Northwest Airlines and later service with American, United, and Pan Am helped establish reliable regional air travel across the United States and Canada. Its most famous pilots, Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, flew the model, underscoring its reputation for performance and safety. The aircraft also served as a testbed for numerous innovations, including early radio navigation aids and cabin pressurization experiments. Though production ceased in 1937 after 442 units, the Model 10’s design principles directly influenced the larger Lockheed Model 12 Junior Electra and the iconic Lockheed Constellation, cementing its legacy as a pivotal bridge between early biplanes and the golden age of modern airliners.
Classification
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 5900 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 149
- First Flight
- 1934
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Corporation
- Designer
- Hall Hibbard
- Developer
- Lockheed Corporation
- Wikidata ID
- Q1500303