KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Lockheed L-188C Electra ~PH-LLG (1:200)

In 1954 American Airlines 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.

Lockheed Electra L-188C production number 2014 first flew February 16, 1960. The aircraft was purchased by KLM � Royal Dutch Airlines and registered as PH-LLG and named �Neptunus�. On January 4, 1968 the aircraft was leased to Martinair Holland for one year before returning to KLM. Three weeks later it was sold to Universal Airlines and registered as N857U. After Universal the aircraft was owned by eight other airlines and received five different registrations. The last owner was Channel Express who purchased it in 1999 and it was still flying in 2005, 45 years after its first flight.

Specifications Lockheed Electra L-188C

Performance
Engines � (4) Allison 501-D13 @ 3,750 hp at take-off
Fuel Capacity � 6,940 gallons
Maximum Speed � 448 mph
Cruise Speed � 373 mph
Maximum Altitude - 28,400 ft
Range � 3,500 miles

Weight
Maximum Take-off � 116,000 lbs

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