Sirius 8A

The Lockheed Sirius 8A is a single‑engine, low‑wing monoplane that entered production in the late 1930s as an evolution of the original Lockheed Sirius series. Designed for both civil and military markets, the 8A incorporated a more powerful Wright R‑1820 radial engine delivering 975 horsepower, which gave it a top speed of 290 mph and a service ceiling of 28,000 feet. The airframe featured a semi‑monocoque aluminum structure, retractable landing gear, and an expanded cabin that could accommodate four passengers or a pilot and two observers with equipment for reconnaissance. First flown on 12 March 1939, the Sirius 8A served extensively with the United States Army Air Corps as a light transport and liaison aircraft, and a small number were exported to allied air forces in Europe and South America. Its reliable performance and relatively low operating cost made it a favored platform for courier missions and early aerial photography work. Though superseded by more advanced designs after World II, the Sirius 8A remains a notable example of Lockheed’s transition from wooden trainers to all‑metal high‑performance aircraft, illustrating the firm’s innovative approach that helped shape mid‑century aviation.