The original production model was branded the "JetStar I" and this form carried the aforementioned Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines of 3,300lb thrust each. The intended USAF marks began with the "C-140A" to be used for official flight inspection and this was based largely on the JetStar I production model - five being built for the service. Then followed the "C-140B" which was the passenger-cargo transport form based on the earlier A-model. Five were constructed to the standard. The "VC-140B" was intended as the dedicated VIP passenger model for high-level USAF personnel and based in the B-model series; six being built. The "C-140C" were a pair of JetStars ordered under the United States Navy budget portion (as the "UV-1") but never delivered to the service. The "T-40" was a proposed all-purpose training platform based in the C-140 design - though none were built.
Due to civil airspace noise restrictions, the model "731 JetStar" was formulated by Lockheed as a counter and this involved switching out the 2 x PW engines with 4 x Garret TFE731 turbofan engines - larger external fuel tanks also being introduced at this time as well as more subtle changes being brought along. With the 4 x Garret engine configuration in place, the aircraft reached speeds of 550 miles per hour, cruised at over 500 miles per hour, ranged out to 3,000 miles, and hit a service ceiling up to 43,000 feet. Rate-of-climb was 4,150 feet-per-minute.
The "JetStar II" was another market offering by Lockheed and this variant appeared in 1976 through new-build airframes and carried Garret TFE731-3 turbofan engines with modified external fuel tanks. Production of this mark totaled 40 units.
The AAI FanStar versatile conversion prototype was brought about by American Aviation Industries and was set to offer 2 x General Electric CF34 engines OR the 4 x PW JT12 turbojets OR Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines as need. This offering did not proceed beyond the sole example.
Total production of the JetStar ended in 1979 at which point 204 had been built in all. Global civilian market operators became Canada, Iraq, Mexico, and the United States. In the military sphere, operators went on to include West Germany, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.