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Lockheed Model 18 (R5O-5) Lodestar

The Model 18 is a slightly enlarged Model 14 Super Electra designed to compete with the Douglas DC-3.  While the Lodestar was relatively successful in airline service it never quite met the expectation placed on it.  In part this was due to the U.S. military impressing many of the aircraft into military service with the outbreak of World War II.  The R5O-5 was identical to the civil version of the aircraft and were used as 14-seat transports by the U. S. Navy.  After the war, most of these aircraft found their way back to civilian hands.

Wingspan

65 ft 6 in.

Length

49 ft 10 in.

Height

11 ft 10 in.

Weight

17,500 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

218 MPH

Service Ceiling

20,400 ft

Range

1,800 miles

Engines

Two Wright R-1820-40 radial engines with 1,200 horsepower each

Crew

2 with 14 passengers

Manufacturer
Lockheed

Designation
Model 18

Markings
Naval Air Station Anacostia, D.C., ca. 1943

Registration
N9200H, ZS-DAX, SA-AAF, N15A

Serial Number
12481