Nederlandse Modelbouw en Luchtvaartsite

History

Because of the great success of the Douglas DC-3 the Lockheed 14 Super Electra was not a commercial success for Lockheed, despite the better performance of the Super Electra. The DC-3 proofed to be more economical than the Super Electra.

The Lockheed 18 Lodestar was developed as a response to these shortcomings of the Lockheed 14. The fuselage was extended by 167.67 inches, so two additional rows of seats could be added. Lockheed hoped therefore that the Lodestar would be of more economical interest for the airlines.

The prototype, an extended Lockheed 14 Super Electra, first flew in September 1939.

The Lodestar received his (American) type certification in late March 1940. The additional seats contributed greatly to the reduction of the cost per passenger-kilometer, which came out at the same level as the DC-3.

Despite more than 30 examples were sold to American airlines the DC-3 had already obtained a large part of the market. Outside the United States were the sales were better, the NEIAF bought 29 examples: twenty Model 18-40 plus nine Model 18-50.

Several sub-types were built, mainly differing in the engines.

The USAAF and USN were the largest customers purchasing the Lodestar under the designation C-60, respectively R5O for transport of troops or paratroopers. When the United States were involved in the war, civilian aircraft were claimed under the designation C-56.

The RAF and RAAF purchased the Lodestar under Lend-lease conditions.

Production ended in January 1944 after a number of 625 lodestars being produced, the last device was intended for the USAF.

Kawasaki built a stretched version as Ki-56, of which 121 examples were used until the end of the war.

After the war the type was widely used as business aircraft and various modifications were also devised.

Versions.