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 John Schmidt (dc8schmidt@twc.com) | Home > 
The Fabulous Electras 9/2016
The L-188 was a Lockheed design tailored to requirements put forth by American and Eastern Airlines. At the time, (1955) Capital was introducing the Viscount which was clobbering competitive airlines' piston powered flights.  Even though deliveries of the Electra would not occur until 1959 most American airlines chose to wait for the Lockheed offering.
   It was launched in 1955 with orders for 35 from American and 40 from Eastern, soon followed by most of the other Trunk Lines + PSA.
   The early enthusiasm died upon the loss of 3 aircraft to in flight structural failures. The issues were ultimately resolved, but the early surge of orders stopped at 170.  Nevertheless the Electra served exceptionally in multiple roles. Many had long second lives as freighters.  Now, the few remaining have been reduced to Airsprayers.
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