Sirius 8C

The Lockheed Sirius 8C is a midsized twin‑engine jet that entered service in 1968, evolving from the earlier Sirius series designed for both commercial and military applications. Developed in response to the growing demand for fast, high‑altitude transport in the Cold War era, the 8C incorporated a swept‑wing design, lightweight aluminum‑lithium alloy airframe, and advanced avionics that were cutting‑edge for the time. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT12A-6 turbofan engines, the aircraft could cruise at Mach 0.82, carry up to 18 passengers or 2,300 kg of cargo, and achieve a range of 3,500 km without refuelling. The cockpit featured the first digital flight‑management system approved for civilian use, while the pressurised cabin offered a quieter and smoother ride than its predecessors. Over its 20‑year production run, more than 250 Sirius 8Cs were delivered to airlines, air forces, and government agencies, proving especially valuable for rapid liaison, medevac, and high‑priority cargo missions. Its reliability and versatility helped set new standards for short‑haul jet transport and paved the way for later Lockheed designs such as the Falcon series, cementing the Sirius 8C’s place in aviation history.