Lockheed C-140A 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 C-140A was delivered directly to NASA in 1960, initially as an executive transport, with the serial NASA 814. In 1963, it was transferred to the Dryden Research Center at Edwards AFB, California to act as a testbed. NASA 814 would be used in several experiments, including advanced supersonic propellers (where the propeller tip rotates at faster than Mach 1; the propeller was mounted atop the JetStar), advanced laminar flow wings, testing Space Shuttle approach and landing patterns at Edwards, and was fitted with a variable flight control system that allowed NASA 814 to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. In 2003, it was retired and donated to Joe Davies Airpark in nearby Palmdale.
This isn't the most flattering view of a JetStar, but as the airpark was closed early (due to California's coronavirus restrictions), I was forced to shoot through the fence. NASA 814 wears the old 1960s-era NASA colors, with a two shades of blue fuselage and a simple NASA banner on the tail. The odd thing sticking up in the middle is the pylon for the experimental propeller.
EDIT (June 2023): Updated with a much better shot from the side at close range, taken in the return trip to Joe Davies in 2023.
Lockheed C-140A 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 C-140A was delivered directly to NASA in 1960, initially as an executive transport, with the serial NASA 814. In 1963, it was transferred to the Dryden Research Center at Edwards AFB, California to act as a testbed. NASA 814 would be used in several experiments, including advanced supersonic propellers (where the propeller tip rotates at faster than Mach 1; the propeller was mounted atop the JetStar), advanced laminar flow wings, testing Space Shuttle approach and landing patterns at Edwards, and was fitted with a variable flight control system that allowed NASA 814 to simulate a wide variety of aircraft. In 2003, it was retired and donated to Joe Davies Airpark in nearby Palmdale.
This isn't the most flattering view of a JetStar, but as the airpark was closed early (due to California's coronavirus restrictions), I was forced to shoot through the fence. NASA 814 wears the old 1960s-era NASA colors, with a two shades of blue fuselage and a simple NASA banner on the tail. The odd thing sticking up in the middle is the pylon for the experimental propeller.
EDIT (June 2023): Updated with a much better shot from the side at close range, taken in the return trip to Joe Davies in 2023.