Lockheed L-1329 JetStar 731
Lockheed L-1329 JetStar 731
The Lockheed JetStar, or designated C-140 in US military service, was a business jet produced from the early 1960s to the 1970s. Built by Lockheed Martin here in Marietta, Georgia, the JetStar was Lockheed Martin’s first and only business jet to enter service.
Built in 1966, model 5086 was first delivered to the R.J. Reynolds Company and was later flown by the Saudi royal family.
More stringent noise restrictions and high fuel consumption from the original Pratt and Whitney (P&W) engines led to the development of the 731 JetStar, a modification program that replaced the P&W’s with new Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines producing approximately 14,000 pounds of thrust. Larger external fuel tanks were also installed. This is one of the two versions displayed at the Aviation History and Technology Center.
JetStar production totaled 204 aircraft by final delivery in 1978. Model 5086 was the last operational JetStar and was donated by a Florida family who used the aircraft for 30 years. The Museum’s plane was flown into Cobb County Airport from Florida and was retired in December 2019.
L-1329 731 Specifications
Manufacturer
Lockheed
First Flight
September 4, 1957
U.S. Usage (all models)
1960-2019
Crew
2 pilots, 1 cabin attendant, 8-10 passengers
Length
60 ft. 5 in.
Wingspan
54 ft. 5 in.
Empty Weight
27,000 lbs.
Max. Takeoff Weight
42,000 lbs.
Max. Speed
548 mph.
Max. Altitude
43,000 ft.
Powerplant
Four Garrett TFE731-3
Used By (all models)
U.S. Air Force
Civilian
Numerous foreign nations
Technology Tidbit
Look closely at the Museum’s two Jetstar’s and you’ll likely notice a number of differences, even though the two airframes were manufactured only 2 years apart at the Lockheed Martin plant adjacent to the Museum. The white and brown plane, Model 5048, was built in 1964; the blue and silver, model 5086 in 1966. Model 5086 benefited from a design modification installed several years later that improved performance and handling while reducing engine noise.
