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With its signature twin tail and exceptionally clean, art-deco appearance, the Lockheed Model 10 Electra series emerged as a purpose-built design intended to respond to the Douglas DC-2 and Boeing 247 airliners, which were revolutionizing commercial airlines by the mid-1930s. The Model 10 Electra series was the first aircraft project assigned to young aeronautical engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson when he joined the firm in 1933. Concerned about stability and control issues revealed in wind tunnel testing, he recommended changing the vertical tail configuration to a twin fin and rudder design. Johnson would go on to become the chief engineer at Lockheed’s famed "Skunk Works" and influence many innovative and famous Lockheed designs.
The Museum's Electra was originally manufactured as a Model 10-A, the 15th of a total of 149 Model 10s of all variants that were built. Acquired brand new by Northwest Airlines in 1935 and registered NC14900, this Electra possesses an extraordinary historical pedigree. The aircraft was flown extensively by Northwest until June 1942, when it was acquired by the U.S. Army Air Forces for the war effort. The aircraft was repainted in olive drab camouflage and became a UC-36A, USAAF serial number 42-57213.
In 1944, no longer needed by the USAAF, the Electra traveled south to Brazil, where is served with the Brazilian flag airline VARIG as PP-VAR and with the Brazilian Air Force as FAB-1002. During this period of approximately 10 years, the Model 10-A was converted to the higher performance 10-E configuration, with more powerful Pratt & Whitney Wasp engines. The aircraft returned to a private owner in the United States in 1955, then operated for several years as N72GT with Tiburzi Airways. The Electra was subsequently owned by a number of American companies and private operators.
In 1994, aviator Linda Finch acquired this aircraft and, after a phenomenal restoration project aided greatly by Pratt & Whitney, set out on an around-the-world flight in March 1997, the 60th anniversary of Amelia Earhart's attempt. Finch replicated Earhart's original flight plan as closely as feasible. Although she did not stop at Howland Island due to the deterioration of the landing strip there, she did drop a wreath near the island to remember the ill-fated crew and her sister aviator.
Now configured and marked precisely like Amelia Earhart's classic aircraft, this Electra serves as a tangible and inspiring reminder of a vibrant and memorable pioneer.
With its signature twin tail and exceptionally clean, art-deco appearance, the Lockheed Model 10 Electra series emerged as a purpose-built design intended to respond to the Douglas DC-2 and Boeing 247 airliners, which were revolutionizing commercial airlines by the mid-1930s. The Model 10 Electra series was the first aircraft project assigned to young aeronautical engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson when he joined the firm in 1933. Concerned about stability and control issues revealed in wind tunnel testing, he recommended changing the vertical tail configuration to a twin fin and rudder design. Johnson would go on to become the chief engineer at Lockheed’s famed "Skunk Works" and influence many innovative and famous Lockheed designs.
The Museum's Electra was originally manufactured as a Model 10-A, the 15th of a total of 149 Model 10s of all variants that were built. Acquired brand new by Northwest Airlines in 1935 and registered NC14900, this Electra possesses an extraordinary historical pedigree. The aircraft was flown extensively by Northwest until June 1942, when it was acquired by the U.S. Army Air Forces for the war effort. The aircraft was repainted in olive drab camouflage and became a UC-36A, USAAF serial number 42-57213.
In 1944, no longer needed by the USAAF, the Electra traveled south to Brazil, where is served with the Brazilian flag airline VARIG as PP-VAR and with the Brazilian Air Force as FAB-1002. During this period of approximately 10 years, the Model 10-A was converted to the higher performance 10-E configuration, with more powerful Pratt & Whitney Wasp engines. The aircraft returned to a private owner in the United States in 1955, then operated for several years as N72GT with Tiburzi Airways. The Electra was subsequently owned by a number of American companies and private operators.
In 1994, aviator Linda Finch acquired this aircraft and, after a phenomenal restoration project aided greatly by Pratt & Whitney, set out on an around-the-world flight in March 1997, the 60th anniversary of Amelia Earhart's attempt. Finch replicated Earhart's original flight plan as closely as feasible. Although she did not stop at Howland Island due to the deterioration of the landing strip there, she did drop a wreath near the island to remember the ill-fated crew and her sister aviator.
Now configured and marked precisely like Amelia Earhart's classic aircraft, this Electra serves as a tangible and inspiring reminder of a vibrant and memorable pioneer.
