Summary

  • Lockheed Model 12 Electra served various roles in WWII, including surveillance, cargo transport, and training.
  • Lockheed Martin provided support to the Royal Air Force and US military services with their Model 10 and 12 Electra aircraft.
  • Electras were used as spy planes, personal transport for the Governor of Bengal, and for training bomber crews.

The Lockheed Model 12 Electra is a twin-engine transport aircraft capable of seating up to eight people, including crew. Designed as a multipurpose aircraft in the late 1930s, the aircraft primarily served small airlines, companies, and private individuals.

Out of the 130 examples produced, some were specially designed for military and other applications. Simple Flying explores some uses of the Model 12 Electra during World War II.

1

One of the first

Used for various missions during the War

  • Low-level surveillance
  • Reconnaissance missions
  • Ground support
  • Training
  • Cargo transport

Lockheed Martin provided aircraft support to the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the United Kingdom at the onset of World War II. Lockheed Martin’s Model 10 and 12 Electra were some of the first to fly during the war. From low-level surveillance and reconnaissance to basic cargo transport, the Electras provided the essential support needed in the initial years of the war.

Lockheed_Model_12_-_Aviation_Nation_2019

According to Lockheed Martin,

“The first aircraft to be flown during the war was a Lockheed Model 10 Electra belonging to British Airways (later known as BOAC), which was impressed into service by the RAF on 3 September 1939, the day Britain declared war on Germany.”

Related

87 Years Ago Howard Hughes Took Off To Set A Record In A Lockheed Electra

2

As a transport aircraft

US Military service

Military agency Aircraft designation
United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) C-40
United States Navy (USN) JO or R3O-2

At the beginning of the Second World War, the Electras were introduced to the United States military service. The USAAC, with the designation C-40, and the USN, with the designation JO or R3O-2, used the aircraft as transport carriers.

Lockheed_12A_Electra_Junior_(11429468686)

While the aircraft could only accommodate up to eight people, including the crew, its maiden flight and entry into service aligned with the immediate transport needs. Many global air forces, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Brazilian Air Force, operated the aircraft for military transport needs.

Related

Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar: 5 Fast Facts About The Versatile Transport Aircraft

The aircraft has a unique history.

3

As a spy plane

Modified Model 12 Electras flew undercover

  • Maximum speed: 225 mph (362 km/h, 196 knots) at 5,000 ft (1,500 m)
  • Cruise speed: 213 mph (343 km/h, 185 knots)
  • Range: 700 NM (800 miles, 1,300 km)
  • Service ceiling: 22,900 ft (7,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,400 ft/min (7.1 m/s)

In the months leading up to World War II, some British Airways Lockheed 12 Electras flew as military spy planes over Europe, particularly Germany and Italy. Two commercial planes were intended to be converted for military reconnaissance flights. These aircraft were modified with aerial photography equipment.

Lockheed_12A_Electra_Junior_in_Flight_over_Dallas_(11429471156)

These aircraft flew undercover in the months preceding World War II, taking images of many German and Italian military installations. The aerial photographs were secretly mapped and compiled for strategic missions. In March 2023, one of these aircraft, a G-AFTL, returned to the skies after restoration by Sywell-based air leasing.

Related

The First Private Jet: A Look At The Lockheed Jetstar

Learn more about the grandfather of bizjets.

4

As a training aircraft for the bomber squad

Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force

Lockheed Model 12 Electra
Total aircraft bought 36
Training version (Model 212) 16
Transport versions 20

The Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (ML-KNIL) was the major user of the Lockheed Model 12 Electra. The agency bought 36 examples of the popular aircraft, with 16 of the Model 212. Lockheed designed the Model 212 specifically for training bomber crews.

Alice_Faye_and_Photographer_with_Lockheed_12A_Electra_Junior_(8596148914)

The aircraft featured a 0.303-inch (7.696 mm) caliber machine gun. The unpowered, partially retractable gun turret was installed on top of the fuselage. The aircraft also featured a second machine gun fixed in the nose. An under-wing section could hold up to eight 100-bl (45 kg) bombs. The ML-KNIL primarily operated the Model 12 and 212 Electras between 1936 and 1942.

Related

4 Celebrities Who Flew The Lockheed Jetstar

Over 200 JetStars were produced.

5

As a VIP transport

Governor of Bengal

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 6 passengers
  • Length: 36 ft 4 in (11.07 m)
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 6 in (15.09 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
  • Max takeoff weight: 8,650 lb (3,924 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior SB 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engines, 450 hp (340 kW) each

While many Lockheed Electras were used in the time preceding the war, some were used for special purposes, including surveillance, cargo transport, and airdrops during the war. One such use was personal transport of the Governor of Bengal, for which a single aircraft was transferred to India.

Braniff_Airline_Pilots_Watching_a_Lockheed_12A_Electra_Junior_(11429445934)

According to Lockheed Martin,

“[…] A further seven or eight Electra’s were used later in the war, with one transferred to India to serve as the personal transport of the Governor of Bengal.”

The aircraft could seat up to six passengers and two crew members. Model 12 Electras were also used to transport war troops.

Related

5 Fun Facts About The Legendary Lockheed Constellation Airliner

The aircraft was often dubbed as the star of the skies.

What are your thoughts on the use of the Lockheed Model 12 Electra during World War II? Share your views in the comments section.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *