The Lockheed L-1329 JetStar is a business jet produced from the early 1960s through the 1970s. It originated as a private project attempting to win a United States Air Force contract that was later dropped. Lockheed then decided to continue the project for the business market. The first JetStar prototype first flew on September 4, 1957.

Two prototypes were initially constructed using Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbojets; one of these was experimentally re-engined with a set of four Pratt & Whitney JT12 in 1959, implying a later selection of the JT12 for production aircraft. The first of these prototypes flew in the mid 1960’s.

The JetStar was the first business jet to enter service when the first civil configured one was delivered in early 1961. Meanwhile the JetStar entered service with the USAF in 1962 as the C140 naval calibration aircraft and the VC140 VIP transport in late 1961.

Besides its fairly typical business jet layout, the JetStar is distinguishable from other small jets by its four engines, mounted on the rear of the fuselage, and the fuel tanks fixed to the wings. It has a cruciform tail and a thirty degree swept wing, which features large fuel tanks at about half-span. The horizontal stabilizer is mounted at the top of the vertical stabilizer. A speed brake is located on the underside of the fuselage to help slow the aircraft down for landing, and the trim is provided by pivoting the entire vertical stabilizer, which is considered an odd characteristic by experienced aircraft designers.

The JetStar is considered a relatively heavy aircraft for its class. Weighting 25,250 lb when empty and having a max takeoff weight of 44,500 lb, it has a maximum cruising speed of 0.8 Mach at 21,000 feet, and a range of about 2,500 miles with a 3,500 lb payload.
It

has a crew of two pilots and the cabin offers seating for up to ten passengers. The length of the fuselage is 60 ft 5 in, with a 54 ft 5 in wingspan and a height of 20 ft 5 in. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 43,000 ft.

The subsequent JetStar II differs from the earlier aircraft primarily in its four Garrett TFE731 turbofans with their significantly improved fuel consumption, resulting in substantial improvements in operating costs, range and lower noise levels, while more power allows a higher maximum takeoff weight.

This version is generally similar, with a number of detail changes. The cockpit area has some modifications, larger engines, and the fuel tanks are larger and sit with their upper surfaces flush with the wing, rather than being centered on it. The first of these flew on August 18, 1976, and has remained in production until 1979.

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