Lockheed L-137 (Model 8)

History of the Lockheed L-137 (Type 8)

During World War II (1939-1945), the need for long-range bombers capable of carrying heavy payloads was recognized by major military powers. In the United States, aircraft like the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress played vital roles in ending the war. However, not all aircraft designs were successful. Lockheed's "L-137" proposal aimed to create a larger strategic bomber, but it faced competition from other aviation companies like Boeing and Northrop.

Lockheed, known for its aviation achievements, attempted to secure contracts for a new heavy bomber that could meet the demands of the US Army Air Corps. The L-137 went through design iterations, including the streamlined "Model 8" version. It had a conventional layout, retractable landing gear, and was designed to carry 4,000 pounds of weapons internally. Powered by Pratt & Whitney R-4360 engines, it was expected to achieve impressive performance with a top speed of 360 mph, a high service ceiling, and a range of 4,000 miles.

Despite its appealing specifications, the L-137 proposal was ultimately rejected by the US Air Force due to identified "performance issues." This example highlights the challenges and competition faced by aircraft designers during that era.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service: 1938

Origins: United States

Status: Cancel

Crew: 10

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Lockheed - USA

Carrier: United States

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 87.0 feet (26.52m)

Width/span: 122.5 feet (37.35m)

MTOW: 75,001 lbs (34,020 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-4360 "Wasp Major" air-cooled radial piston engines, each between 2,650 and 3,500 hp, driving three-bladed propeller units.

Maximum speed: 360 km/h (580 km/h | 313 kn)

Maximum: 37,073 feet (11,300 m | 7 km)

Area: 6,999 km (6,435 km | 11,918 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 1,100 ft/min (335 m/min)

Weapons

Offered/Accepted:

2 x .30 caliber machine guns in rear turret.

2 x .30 caliber machine guns in the ventral turret under the nose.

1 x .30 caliber machine gun in left waist/beam position (hypothetical).

1 x .30 cal machine gun in right waist/beam position (assumed).

2 x .30 caliber machine guns in rear position.

Internally held conventional bomb loads up to 4,000 lbs.