Museum of Aviation 2009', classic (and classy) WWII nose art
Humor, pathos, slogans, girls, cartoons, nicknames, hometowns, girls, patriotism, dishing it to the enemy, warriors, girls, youthful bravado, girls...these transcended nationality as both Allies and Axis pilots went to war in their individually marked chariots. Men at war separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life sought ways to personalize and escape the very harsh business surrounding them. For the most part they thought about women, represented on the sides of aircraft in the most tender of ways to the most degrading. These men spent many hours longing for the tenderness a woman could bring to their lives...and for the sexual pleasure they could provide. Whether top level commanders ordered it off the aircraft or not, the men let their feelings flow onto their machines.
This Art on a Lockheed C-60 Lodestar:
The C-60 is a twin-engine transport based on the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar. During World War II, the Army Air Forces used the aircraft for training and for transporting personnel and freight. First flown in 1940, the Model 18 was originally designed as a successor to the Lockheed Model 14 and the earlier Model 10 Electra. The Army began ordering military versions of the Model 18 in May 1941. Depending upon engines and interior configuration, these transports were given C-56, C-57, C-59 or C-60 basic type designations. Lockheed built more C-60As for the AAF (325) than any other version of the military Lodestar.
After the war, many military Lodestars were declared surplus and sold to private operators for use as cargo or executive transports. The C-60A on display was flown to the museum in 1981.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: None
Engines: Two Wright R-1820-87s of 1,200 hp each
Crew: Four (plus 17 passengers)
Maximum speed: 257 mph
Cruising speed: 232 mph
Range: 1,700 miles
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Span: 65 ft. 6 in.
Length: 49 ft. 10 in.
Height: 11 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 18,500 lbs. maximum
Serial number: 43-16445
Museum of Aviation 2009', classic (and classy) WWII nose art
Humor, pathos, slogans, girls, cartoons, nicknames, hometowns, girls, patriotism, dishing it to the enemy, warriors, girls, youthful bravado, girls...these transcended nationality as both Allies and Axis pilots went to war in their individually marked chariots. Men at war separated from home, family, loved ones and a familiar way of life sought ways to personalize and escape the very harsh business surrounding them. For the most part they thought about women, represented on the sides of aircraft in the most tender of ways to the most degrading. These men spent many hours longing for the tenderness a woman could bring to their lives...and for the sexual pleasure they could provide. Whether top level commanders ordered it off the aircraft or not, the men let their feelings flow onto their machines.
This Art on a Lockheed C-60 Lodestar:
The C-60 is a twin-engine transport based on the Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar. During World War II, the Army Air Forces used the aircraft for training and for transporting personnel and freight. First flown in 1940, the Model 18 was originally designed as a successor to the Lockheed Model 14 and the earlier Model 10 Electra. The Army began ordering military versions of the Model 18 in May 1941. Depending upon engines and interior configuration, these transports were given C-56, C-57, C-59 or C-60 basic type designations. Lockheed built more C-60As for the AAF (325) than any other version of the military Lodestar.
After the war, many military Lodestars were declared surplus and sold to private operators for use as cargo or executive transports. The C-60A on display was flown to the museum in 1981.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: None
Engines: Two Wright R-1820-87s of 1,200 hp each
Crew: Four (plus 17 passengers)
Maximum speed: 257 mph
Cruising speed: 232 mph
Range: 1,700 miles
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft.
Span: 65 ft. 6 in.
Length: 49 ft. 10 in.
Height: 11 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 18,500 lbs. maximum
Serial number: 43-16445