Lockheed A-29 Hudson
The Lockheed A-29 Hudson was a twin-engine light bomber and maritime patrol aircraft developed from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner. It was originally ordered in large numbers by Britain's Royal Air Force on the eve of World War II—at the time the largest order Lockheed had ever received—and entered RAF service in 1939. The Hudson served extensively in Coastal Command on anti-submarine, reconnaissance, and convoy-escort duties; an RAF Hudson scored one of the war's first U-boat captures.
The Royal Canadian Air Force and other Commonwealth forces also flew it on submarine hunts, while the A-29 designation covered aircraft supplied to and used by the US Army Air Forces. Around 2,900 were produced, and the type remained in service throughout the war in patrol, training, and transport roles.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed
- Type
- Twin-engine light bomber / maritime patrol aircraft
- Crew
- 6
- First Flight
- 1938
- Powerplant
- 2 × Wright R-1820 Cyclone radials, 1,200 hp each
- Max Speed
- 253 mph
- Range
- 1,960 mi
- Service Ceiling
- 26,500 ft
- Length
- 44 ft 4 in
- Wingspan
- 65 ft 6 in
- Loaded Weight
- 20,500 lb (max takeoff)
- Armament
- Up to 7 × .303 in machine guns; approx. 1,400 lb of bombs or depth charges