12/06/1957: Lockheed L-188 Electra Maiden Flight

DALLAS — Today in 1957, the Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop took its first flight, two months ahead of schedule.

The Californian plane maker Lockheed designed the aircraft after a request from American Airlines (AA) in 1954. The airline wanted a 75- to 100-seat domestic short- to medium-range airliner.

In June 1955, AA placed an order for 35 of the type. By the time of the airliner's first flight, the order book stood at 144.

The L-188 entered service with Eastern Airlines (EA) on January 12, 1959, after a pilot strike at AA delayed its entry into service with the launch customer. Early customers included Braniff Airways (BN) and Northwest Airlines (NW).

Initial Problems

However, the type's entry into service was not plain sailing. Passengers complained about noise in the cabin, which led to redesigning the aircraft's engine nacelles and positioning.

Tragically, three aircraft were lost between February 1959 and March 1960. Two of the accidents saw the aircraft break up in mid-air.

This came as a massive blow to Lockheed. The manufacturer initially imposed speed restrictions as various design changes to the aircraft's wing were made. These restrictions were lifted in 1961.

Following the redesign, the Electra would become a popular and reliable airliner. An upgrade came in the form of the L-188C, which had improved payload range and performance.

It entered service with KLM (KL) in 1959. Lockheed would build 170 Electra's before production ended in 1961.

Featured image: American Airlines was the launch customer for the Lockheed L-188 Electra.