Lockheed VC-140B JetStar
Lockheed began work on the L-329 in response to a USAF requirement for an executive aircraft and navigation trainer. Although the requirement was cancelled, Lockheed saw an opportunity to break into the executive jet market, and persisted with the design. Though originally intended to be powered by twin Bristol-Siddeley Orpheus turbojets, Lockheed was unable to acquire a license to produce the Orpheus; as a result, the engines were switched to four Pratt and Whitney JT12s to produce the L-1329. Slipper tanks were added to the wings to increase range in the final JetStar design, which first flew in 1961.
The JetStar achieved moderate success. It was faster and more comfortable than most executive jets (the latter due to its deep fuselage), but also heavier, louder and more expensive to operate. The USAF in particular liked the design and bought it as the C-140, which served for almost 30 years; some were deployed to Vietnam and used as "Scatback" fast couriers. Later variants included the JetStar II, which switched out the turbojets for quieter and more fuel efficient turbofans. Though 204 were built, only a comparative few remain in service today due to its weight and expense to operate.
This VC-140B joined the USAF in 1961 as 61-2492 and served strictly with the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, Maryland, as an executive transport for high-ranking government officials and the President of the United States. In situations where flying the larger VC-137 was uneconomical, the Presidents might fly a VC-140B instead; if so, the aircraft used the callsign "Air Force One." (Lyndon Johnson liked to joke that the VC-140s should be called "Air Force One-Half.") 2492 served Presidents Johnson through Reagan before it was retired with the majority of the JetStar fleet in 1987. It was donated to the National Museum of the USAF soon thereafter.
As a Presidential fleet aircraft, it carries the same blue, white and gold scheme used by the larger VC-137s and VC-25s, with a Presidential seal on the nose and large "United States of America" titles. The condition of this aircraft is immaculate, which is to be expected!
Lockheed VC-140B JetStar
Lockheed began work on the L-329 in response to a USAF requirement for an executive aircraft and navigation trainer. Although the requirement was cancelled, Lockheed saw an opportunity to break into the executive jet market, and persisted with the design. Though originally intended to be powered by twin Bristol-Siddeley Orpheus turbojets, Lockheed was unable to acquire a license to produce the Orpheus; as a result, the engines were switched to four Pratt and Whitney JT12s to produce the L-1329. Slipper tanks were added to the wings to increase range in the final JetStar design, which first flew in 1961.
The JetStar achieved moderate success. It was faster and more comfortable than most executive jets (the latter due to its deep fuselage), but also heavier, louder and more expensive to operate. The USAF in particular liked the design and bought it as the C-140, which served for almost 30 years; some were deployed to Vietnam and used as "Scatback" fast couriers. Later variants included the JetStar II, which switched out the turbojets for quieter and more fuel efficient turbofans. Though 204 were built, only a comparative few remain in service today due to its weight and expense to operate.
This VC-140B joined the USAF in 1961 as 61-2492 and served strictly with the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, Maryland, as an executive transport for high-ranking government officials and the President of the United States. In situations where flying the larger VC-137 was uneconomical, the Presidents might fly a VC-140B instead; if so, the aircraft used the callsign "Air Force One." (Lyndon Johnson liked to joke that the VC-140s should be called "Air Force One-Half.") 2492 served Presidents Johnson through Reagan before it was retired with the majority of the JetStar fleet in 1987. It was donated to the National Museum of the USAF soon thereafter.
As a Presidential fleet aircraft, it carries the same blue, white and gold scheme used by the larger VC-137s and VC-25s, with a Presidential seal on the nose and large "United States of America" titles. The condition of this aircraft is immaculate, which is to be expected!