The First Business Jet - Lockheed JetStar.
The Lockheed JetStar was used by a diverse range of operators over the years, and saw success in both military and civilian fields. The Lockheed L-1329 JetStar was the first in a category of small-to-medium-sized jet transports that would become known as the “business jet.”
This plane was the first in a category of small-sized jet transports that would become known as the “business jet”.
The Lockheed JetStar was used by a diverse range of operators over the years, and saw success in both military and civilian fields. Flying with the US Air Force and for business services, the rear-engined quadjet saw a 19-year production run between 1961 and 1980.
The initial prototype served a particularly special role, as it was used to transport the President Richard Nixon, the Shah of Iran, and the Puerto Rico-based band Menudo.
Additionally, another one of the most notable civilian customers was Elvis Presley, who owned two units at different times. The 1962 Lockheed JetStar was the third plane in his personal fleet. He shared the aircraft with his father, Vernon Presley. It featured red velvet interior, a music system, and its own bathroom.
Another JetStar, nicknamed Hound Dog II, was bought as Elvis awaited renovation work to be completed on another jet, Lisa Marie. It was set to go up for auction, having sat unused for some 35 years. This planet was sold for US$260000 on what would have been Elvis's 88th birthday.
Away from transporting the biggest names in show business, the Lockheed JetStar was taken on by the US Air Force to carry the country's President, as well as other officials. The aircraft was designed and deployed in record-breaking time. The military was a fan of its ease of maintenance and versatility in the field.
Lockheed highlighted that the plane was the Air Force's answer to an urgent requirement for a jet utility trainer transport.
In total, JetStar 202 units were produced, and the plane is still in action today. Most famously, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force and Mexican Air Force remain fans of the rear-engined quadjet.
The Lockheed JetStar is also one of very few designs that had four rear-mounted engines. In the world of airliners, two notable examples were the Ilyushin Il-62 and the Vickers VC-10.
The price started at 2.8 million US dollars in 1972, which is an equivalent of 17.8 million US dollars today.
The aircraft had the following specifications:
Crew: 2 pilots and (typically) one flight attendant.
Capacity: 8-10 passengers.
Cruise speed: 811km/h.
Service ceiling: 13105m.
Range: 4820km.