4 Key Celebrities Who Flew The Lockheed Jetstar

The first globally known and purpose-built business jet is considered to be the Lockheed JetStar. Even so, many governments around the world utilized this jet for military operations. Lockheed originally designed the JetStar to win a contract that was eventually canceled by the United States Air Force (USAF). However, the company decided to continue its development after the contract was canceled and wanted to eventually bring the jet to market in the business industry. The JetStar would be the only dedicated business jet that Lockheed developed.

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The last original JetStar was retired in 2019.

The aircraft was originally developed with two engines provided by Bristol Siddeley, which were mounted on the fuselage behind the wings. However, Lockheed was unable to convince Bristol Siddeley to produce its engines within the United States. This led to Lockheed developing the unique arrangement of two engines on either side of the fuselage. The four engines used were Pratt & Whitney JT12s, which were installed in 1959.

Besides the unique engine configuration, the JetStar utilizes a 30-degree swept wing and a standard cruciform tail, with the horizontal stabilizer installed further up the tail to avoid the blast from the four jet engines. The aircraft also featured a stand-up cabin, which was aided by the cabin’s dropped floor. Lockheed also developed the aircraft with slipper tanks on either wing to increase the aircraft’s range.

The original JetStar was introduced in 1961 and its production continued through 1976. Lockheed eventually developed an upgraded variant, called the JetStar II, in 1976. This aircraft featured Garret TFE731 turbofan engines to help with high fuel consumption and reduce noise, which was required by changing regulations in the United States. The JetStar II also featured improved range and better runway performance than the original JetStar.

The JetStar II had the following performance specifications:

Overall, over 200 JetStar variants were produced by Lockheed from 1961-1980. Many governments utilized this aircraft for personnel transport. The following militaries and governments used the JetStar:

• German Air Force
• Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
• Kuwait Government
• Mexican Air Force
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• United States Air Force (USAF)

However, the aircraft was very prominent in the business jet industry, and was even featured as Goldfinger’s private aircraft in the James Bond movie Goldfinger. Furthermore, celebrities across the world utilized the JetStar for personal use. Let’s take a closer look at some of the famous operators of the Lockheed JetStar.

4

Bob Hope

Hope flew a 1967 Lockheed JetStar 731.

Bob Hope was a famous British-born actor and entertainer who was born in 1903. Throughout his career, Hope appeared in over 70 films and shows, and even starred in over 50 of them. He spent most of his life entertaining people throughout the world, and was even made an honorary veteran by the United States Congress due to his tours around the world entertaining military personnel.

To help travel easier, Hope purchased a Lockheed JetStar 731 in 1967. This aircraft, which was registered N18BH, could fit ten passengers in its configuration and was powered by Honeywell TFE 731 turbofan engines. This was one of the first upgraded JetStar variants, and Hope kept the aircraft in his possession until he passed away in 2003.

3

Richard Nixon

Nixon acquired a JetStar for personal use after his experience in the USAF-owned jet while he was in office.

Nixon was the 37th President of the United States. The infamous President famously held office from 1969 to 1974, until he was forced to resign after the Watergate scandal.

Photo: EWY Media | Shutterstock

During his time in office, the USAF acquired several Lockheed JetStars for personnel transport. These JetStars were designated as Lockheed VC-140B JetStars. These aircraft provided the ability for the President and other high-ranking military officials to operate out of airports with shorter runways. Nixon was such a fan of the way the jet operated, that after his time in office, he purchased his own Lockheed JetStar for personal use.

2

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra also owned a Learjet and a Gulfstream II.

Sinatra was one of the world’s most popular singers and actors. Born in 1915, Sinatra was one of the world’s best-selling artists, having sold over 150 million records throughout his career. During his music career, Sinatra also performed for several television shows and acted in various films.

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

His busy lifestyle of touring and performing around the world required him to utilize a business jet for personal travel. Sinatra was one of the first private jet owners, having purchased one of the first Learjet 23s. After several years of operating that aircraft, Sinatra upgraded to a Gulfstream II and then eventually owned and operated a Lockheed JetStar.

1

Elvis Presley

Presley owned two separate Lockheed Stars.

Elvis is one of the world’s most famous musicians. Presley was born in Mississippi in 1935 before moving to Memphis at age 13. This is where he saw his music career take off, which eventually led to an illustrious television career as well.

The King of Rock and Roll had an illustrious career that saw him traveling around the United States and around the world for shows and performances. This led to Elvis purchasing his first jet, a Convair 880. However, Elvis wanted serious upgrades made to the interior of the aircraft. While the Convair 880 was being refurbished, Elvis purchased a Lockheed JetStar with a capacity of ten passengers. This aircraft was registered as N777EP. Eventually, Elvis purchased a second JetStar in 1976. This aircraft, which was registered as N440RM, was painted bright red and featured pink velvet seats in the interior.