Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar / C-60 Lodestar
Technical Information

Background
The C-60 was a twin-engine transport based on the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar. During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) impressed civilian Lodestar airlines into military service for training and transport.

The Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar was designed to be a successor to the Lockheed Model 14 and Lockheed Model 10 Electra. The first prototype was coverted from the fourth Model 14 purchased by Northwest Airlines and returned for modification and improvement. On September 21, 1939 the prototype made a first flight. Next, another two prototypes, also converted from a pair of Model 14 were first flown on February 2, 1940.

Service with US Army and USAAF
During May 1941, the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) began ordering military versions of the Model 18 Lodestar at a cost of $123,000 per aircraft. Depending upon the engines and interior configuration, they were designated C-56, C-57, C-59 or C-60. Lockheed built a total of 325 C-60As for the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), more than any other version of the military Lodestar.

Production
A total of 625 Lodestars were built.

Technical Details (C-60A-5 Lodestar)
Crew  Three
Engine  2 x Wright R-1820-87 nine-cylinder air-cooled radial engines with three bladed propellers
Wingspan  65' 6"
Length  49' 10"
Height  11' 10"
Maximum Speed  266 mph at 1,750'
Range  2,500 miles
Armament  none
Passengers  18