Model 9B Orion

The Lockheed Model 9B Orion, introduced in 1931, was a pivotal development in the evolution of fast, long‑range airliners. Conceived as an improvement over the earlier Model 9A, the 9B featured a stronger all‑metal airframe, a streamlined fuselage, and a more powerful Pratt & Whitney R‑985 Wasp Junior radial engine delivering 450 horsepower. These enhancements raised cruising speed to 190 mph and extended range to roughly 1,100 miles, allowing nonstop flights between major East‑coast cities. The aircraft accommodated eight passengers in a luxurious, sound‑insulated cabin, a rarity at the time, and included advanced instrumentation such as a radio compass and autopilot, improving reliability on the increasingly popular airmail routes. The 9B quickly gained favor with airlines like Transcontinental & Western Air and Eastern Air Lines, proving crucial in demonstrating the economic viability of scheduled passenger service. Its success paved the way for Lockheed’s later transports, most notably the Model 10 Electra, and cemented the company’s reputation for innovative, high‑performance aircraft that shaped commercial aviation during the early 1930s. Only thirty‑three 9B Orions were produced, yet each contributed valuable data on aerodynamic profiling and high‑altitude performance that later informed the design of Lockheed’s iconic P‑38 Lightning fighter.

Lockheed Corporation

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