Lockheed Electra, G-AEPN, with Revolistic propellors (Skybirds 16A)

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Exhibit

Lockheed Electra, G-AEPN, with Revolistic propellors (Skybirds 16A)

BTMM map 016.gif
location:
Arch Two , Area 16
Aviation (display)
Shelf 4
1936 - 1937


1938: British Airways Lockheed Electra Model 10, warming up its engines, at night

1938: British Airways Lockheed Electra Model 10, warming up its engines, at night [image info]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g7yR2pGHf5E?si=r9Rz4pbu_1DI6wB1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> A suspended silver Skybirds model of a twin-tailed Lockheed Electra Model 10, produced as kit number 16A, from January 1936 to mid-1937.

The Lockheed Electra Model 10 model replaced the nice No.16 "Atalanta" model, and had a run of about 18 months before being replaced in turn by No.16C Grumman F2F fighter plane in July 1937.

Revolistic

This model has had the props replaced with the Skybirds "Revolistic" flat coiled springs, which create the visual impression of spinning propellers.

The original aircraft

Lockheed's twin-engined ten-passenger Electra Model 10 (not to be confused with the later, different, post-war, 1950s L-188 Electra) entered commercial service as a small commercial airliner in 1935, competing with the Douglas DC2.

Amelia Earhart

The plane became quite famous when Amelia Earhart ordered a customised Model 10E for her attempted 1937 round-the world trip, the idea being that this was a stable, twin-engine airframe with lots of room and spare carrying-capacity for the extra fuel and lubricating oil tanks that would be needed for the record-breaking attempt. This project generated a large number of publicity photographs of Earhart posing proudly with her airplane.

Earhart's Electra 10E Special disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in July 1937. Her aircraft had a special window towards the rear of the fuselage, which was replaced with sheet aluminium not long before she set out on her voyage: this piece was recovered on an uninhabited Pacific island (Nikumaroro) in 1991.

External links

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