The Lockheed 18 Lodestar was basically a lengthened Lockheed 14 Super
Electra and first flew in 1939. Sales in the U.S. were disappointing
as most carriers were committed to purchasing the Douglas
DC-3; however, import sales were stronger. Lodestars were sold
to Brazil, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, the
United Kingdom and Venezuela.
The need for aircraft during World War II lead the U.S. Army Air Force
to impress civil Lodestars using several designations and order an
additional 324 directly from Lockheed.
The Lockheed 18 Lodestar also was the basis for the U.S. Navy Ventura
and Harpoon.
