The Lockheed L-188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed.
First flown in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner built in
the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes
that led to expensive modifications to fix a design defect, no more
were ordered. However, with its unique high power-to-weight ratio, huge
propellers and very short wings (resulting in the majority of the
wingspan being enveloped in propwash), large Fowler flaps which
significantly increased effective wing area when extended, and
four-engined design, the airplane had airfield performance capabilities
unmatched by many jet transport aircraft even today—particularly on
short runways and high field elevations. Turboprops were soon replaced by turbojets and many Electras were modified as freighters. Some Electras are still being used in various roles into the 21st century.[1][2] The airframe was also used as the basis for the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
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