Just 241 days after the start of it's design, the Museum's Lockheed Jetstar made its first flight over Burbank, California. This prototype aircraft, powered by two Bristol Orpheus model 810D Turbojets, was designed in response to an Air Force request for a 10-passenger utility jet. It was completed a full year ahead of its competitor.
The Air Force did not buy the Jetstar in large numbers because of budget cuts. Yet Lockheed saw a civilian need the small jet and continued production of a four-engine version. In time, foreign and U.S. companies as well as the U.S. Navy and Air Force purchased 162 Jetstars.
Just 241 days after the start of it's design, the Museum's Lockheed Jetstar made its first flight over Burbank, California. This prototype aircraft, powered by two Bristol Orpheus model 810D Turbojets, was designed in response to an Air Force request for a 10-passenger utility jet. It was completed a full year ahead of its competitor.
The Air Force did not buy the Jetstar in large numbers because of budget cuts. Yet Lockheed saw a civilian need the small jet and continued production of a four-engine version. In time, foreign and U.S. companies as well as the U.S. Navy and Air Force purchased 162 Jetstars.