VARIG L-188 Electra (1:200)

In 1954 American Air Lines was in the market for a 75 to 100 passenger aircraft for its short to medium range domestic routes. In response Lockheed developed the low wing L-188 Electra powered by four sleek turboprops instead of the usual large radial engines or jet turbines. The combination of engine and the Hamilton Standard propeller offered a much more reliable and fuel efficient aircraft that could travel at 375 mph for 2000 miles at an altitude of 20,000 � 25,000 feet. When production ended in 1961 there had been 170 Electras completed.

Brazil�s first airline was founded on May 7, 1927 as VARIG Airlines (Viacao Aerea RIo Grandense Airlines). Domestic flights began in July 1927 with international service in 1942 and trans-Atlantic service in 1969. One of the 14 VARIG L-188s first flew in 1959 for American Airlines as s/n 1025 and registered as N6104A. The aircraft was obtained by VARIG on August 30 1962 as PP-VJM and on May 7, 1992 was donated to Museo Aeroespacial in Rio de Janeiro and wears the full Varig colors.

Specifications Lockheed Electra L-188A

Performance
Engines � (4) Allison 501-D13 @ 3,750 hp at take-off
Fuel Capacity � 5,520 gallons
Maximum Speed � 448 mph
Cruise Speed � 373 mph
Maximum Altitude - 28,400 ft
Range � 2,200 miles

Weight
Maximum Take-off � 113,000 lbs

Dimensions
Length � 104 ft 6 ins.
Wingspan � 99 ft